UVM welcomes the Class of 2019 to campus this week. Among their ranks are musicians, entrepreneurs, class presidents, debaters, nationally-ranked skiiers, cyclers and archers, valedictorians, hikers and dedicated community service volunteers. Together, they are the most academically talented class in UVM history. Read on to get to know just a few of the incoming students.

Bella Maidoff

Hometown: Chilmark, Massachusetts
Background: As a high school student, Maidoff worked to increase use of local food in school lunches state-wide by developing legislation with a local nonprofit.
UVM major: Environmental sciences
Why she chose UVM: “I chose UVM because of the focus on environmental sciences within the Rubenstein School. Coming from the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, I’m used to small community. Having the small Rubenstein professor-to-student ratio within the larger UVM and Burlington communities is the best of both worlds!”
How she plans to get involved: She’s joined UVM’s GreenHouse Residential Learning Community and plans to check out the Outing Club, the horticulture club, and stay active with soccer and dance.
Must do: “Mastering a set of skis,” she says. “I’ve also never been to Canada, so a road trip is definitely in my future. I would love to work with any local food movements I can find on or off campus to advocate for the health of people, animals and the planet.”

Alexander Weingart

Hometown: Braintree, Massachusetts
Background: Active in the fight against cancer via prodigious fundraising and advocacy work, Weingart was the first youth ever appointed to the New England Relay for Life governing board.
UVM major: Neuroscience
Why he chose UVM: “UVM was a school willing to invest in me for who I am and what I can bring to the table as a student leader and community activist with a hunger to make a positive difference in my local and global community,” Weingart says. “Between my friendly interactions with the admissions staff and academic counselors, I felt as if I wasn’t defined by a number, an SAT score, or a GPA — but instead, I was seen as a whole person.”
How he plans to get involved: Weingart will live in UVM’s Dewey House for Community Engagement. While he’ll continue to play volleyball, a passion of his, he’d also like to learn a new sport, like Ultimate Frisbee, he says. And in that same vein of trying something new, Weingart says that if he can “find the time or talent” he’d like to join an a cappella group.
Must do: “Making friends, contacts, and mentors, to last a lifetime,” he says. Skiing, studying abroad and working toward applying to medical school are also on his list.

Kimberly Henry

Hometown: Portland, Maine
Background: Henry has created a Black Stories Matter Cafe Night, modeled after The Moth Radio Hour. Her event gives “black students of Casco Bay a chance to share their experiences, not only as a black person, but as a teenager, an artist, and a human being,” she says. It’s an effort that attempts to expand, “the very narrow perception of Black Americans provided by the media, and reaffirm the fact that not only do black lives matter, but so do our stories.”
UVM major: Undecided
Why she chose UVM: “Being able to talk in depth with all the heads of the departments I was interested in (Film and Television Studies, English, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies) was a huge part of why I chose UVM,” she says. “It made me feel like I could have the support and mentorship to really excel in whichever field I ended up choosing.”
How she plans to get involved: “I'm really excited to do stuff with the Outing Club! I love kayaking, but rarely got a chance to outside of school sponsored treks, so hopefully I'll be able to lots of kayaking with those guys!”
Must do: Choose a major, she jokes. But also, see the sun rise or set over the mountains and work in a garden. “If anybody knows anything about an agriculture club or a school garden (and I know you guys have got to have one) totally come tell me about it!”

Benjamin Greenberg

Hometown: Yardley, Pennsylvania
Background: Greenberg became an Eagle Scout by 11th grade. His service project involved painting a mural for a recreational therapy program he volunteered with monthly. He organized other scouts and students in the program to complete the project in 190 hours.
UVM major: Environmental sciences
Why he chose UVM: “I was drawn into UVM by the eco-friendly atmosphere, the student activism on campus, and the student body's love of the outdoors. The Rubenstein School provides me with an amazing opportunity to study beyond the classroom through experiential learning.”
How he plans to get involved: Greenberg has started with UVM career with the TREK program, completing a week of service projects in the state parks. From there, he’ll move into the GreenHouse Residential Learning Community, participate in the Aiken Scholars program, and get involved with Hillel, Vermont Students Towards Environmental Protection (VSTEP) and the Outing Club.
Must do: Participate in the Greening of Aiken internship, a group of students dedicated to improving the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of the Aiken Center and greater UVM campus; learn to ski; hike Mt. Mansfield and visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory.

Javana Clark

Hometown: Glen Cove, New York
Background: Among many musical activities, including founding a gospel choir at her high school, Clark also sang “God Bless America” solo at a New York Islanders game.
UVM major: Undecided
Why she chose UVM: “I choose UVM because of the welcoming community and beautiful campus.”
How she plans to get involved: Clark participated in UVM’s Summer Enrichment Scholars Program in July, an “outstanding experience” she says and hopes to participate in community service; club field hockey and basketball; UVM’s radio station, WRUV; and audition for musicals.
Must do: Learn how to ski and snowboard, she says — and take on a Ben & Jerry’s Vermonster.

William Dunkley

Hometown: Westford, Vermont
Background: Dunkley is a volunteer firefighter and maintains a sugarbush operation with his dad.
UVM major: Forestry
Why he chose UVM: With tuition remission, Dunkely says he could have chosen any of Vermont's state colleges. "UVM," he says, "has the best overall potential for me."
How he plans to get involved: Dunkley will move into UVM's GreenHouse Residential Learning Community and check out the Outing Club, once he heals from an upcoming knee surgery. He will also remain involved in sugaring, helping his dad get ready for the spring season.
Must do: Travel is on his list, possibly a semester abroad (during the fall so he doesn't miss sugaring season). "It would be cool for me to be able to do some research with the folks at Proctor Maple Research Center," he adds. "I am very interested in new maple research and have some questions of my own, so I'd like working with them."