The Class of ’67 Award is presented to the senior student who has been active in student activities, has received university recognition in a varsity sport, and/or has been elected to an office in a recognized student activity. This year’s award goes to Samantha Marcotte (she/her pronouns).

Samantha will be graduating with a degree in Elementary Education with a Place-Based Education certificate in the College of Education and Social Services. A native of Rhode Island, she has a distinguished track record of academic accomplishment and leadership roles at UVM, largely centered around experiential and outdoor education.

Samantha dove headfirst into her UVM experience as a participant in the TREK orientation program. This sparked a passion for outdoor leadership and education, leading to her extensive involvement on campus as a TREK Leader, UVM Ropes Course facilitator, Outing Club trip leader, and vice president for Chicks on Sticks, a group for female-identifying and gender non-conforming skiers and riders advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in snow sports. Samantha credits these integrated learning experiences with guiding her on the path to discovering her potential as a leader, teacher, and facilitator and helping to shape her into the educator she is today. 

Place-based learning has been a cornerstone of Samantha’s educational experience. Her academic coursework allowed her and a group of peers to take an in-depth look at the maple sugaring process with Shelburne Farms, as well as collaborate with the Burlington City and Lake Semester program to develop curriculla inspired by themes of community, sustainability, and social justice. Beginning in the summer of 2021, Samantha became involved with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, assisting with a boat-building program for teens and leading expedition sea kayaking and rowing trips on Lake Champlain. She also served as a member of the CESS Student Advisory Board for three years and was honored with the Senior Award from the College of Education and Social Services.

Reflecting on her UVM experience, Samantha says, “Supposedly the answer to why we climb can be found between the trailhead and the summit. UVM has taught me to love the climb itself.”