Housatonic student of the week

The Lakeville Journal congratulates the honorees of the student of the week program at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Spring has arrived in the Housatonic Valley, and in addition to the six rams and two ewes that Nifty the dam recently added to our flock of sheep, Vivianne the pig is expecting nine piglets at any moment. Karen Davenport, the co-chair of the agricultural education department, with help from her classes, has introduced these toddlers into the fold, and according to her, one of the most helpful students was Melody Sandquist, our student of the week.The process of birthing lambs places extraordinary demands on the ag ed staff, and Mrs. Davenport depends on students like Melody who are willing to go beyond the basic requirements of class in order to assist an animal in need. Melody was by her side throughout the process, and even helped with one particularly complicated birth — though according to Melody, this is just the kind of thing she signed up to do.At the age of 4, Melody’s preschool class took a trip to a farm in Kent. She met a cow there, and from that moment on she has wanted to work with animals, with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian. To that end, she has not only taken agricultural classes at Housatonic, but she has also volunteered at the New Milford Animal Shelter for four years, and she has targeted agricultural programs at the universities of Tennessee and Florida that will allow her to pursue a career in veterinary sciences.It takes a strong and confident personality to work with animals, and Melody cites her mother and sister as role models in that regard. She also notes the influence of her entire family and the Kent community, where she developed this passion. Additionally, this vivacious young woman speaks passionately about the French program at Kent Center School that allowed her to become fluent in French, the language of her Canadian relatives. As for now, though, she is speaking “Pig Latin,” waiting patiently for the litter to arrive.

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