In the fall of 2022, University of Vermont (UVM) president Suresh Garimella announced the nomination of Lyndon Institute senior Chelsea Ott for the University of Vermont’s Green and Gold Scholarship, an honor awarded to Vermont’s top students. 

Lyndon Institute’s administration selected Chelsea in part due to her holding the highest cumulative grade point average in her class at the end of junior year. As a Green and Gold Scholar at UVM, Chelsea will receive a full-tuition scholarship based on the rate set for Vermont residents, which according to UVM’s website, is currently valued at over $65,000 over four years. 

For a student as academically talented and driven as Chelsea is, she is known more for her humility and steady kindness. Richard McCarthy, Lyndon Institute’s Dean of Faculty says “Whether raising her hand in AP classroom, leaping in the dance studio, or swinging a field hockey stick, Chelsea pursues her best self with a grace and confidence that is uncommon. Simply put, Chelsea is an anchor in the LI community in so many ways.”

From an early age, Chelsea has been studying dance and is a three-year member of LI’s Dance Company and a steady student at Dance Workshop, a local studio. Her dance instructor Stevie Durocher says, “To say Chelsea is exceptional is an understatement. She’s the epitome of a role model, someone to whom I’m glad each of my young dancers can aspire. She comes to each class engaged, prepared, and hungry for more—often having spent countless hours with the choreography on her own—but perhaps most importantly, she comes with warmth and kindness. She wears her successes with grace and humility and uses them to lift those around her. Chelsea leaves an indelible mark everywhere she goes, and I am beyond grateful she has left her mark on our studio.”

Rick Williams, the Director of Northern Vermont University - Lyndon’s Upward Bound program praised Chelsea’s dedication to service. "In the community, she has volunteered more than 150 hours – even through the pandemic – volunteering at Northern Vermont Regional Hospital, Burklyn Arts, the Methodist church as a peer tutor, through National Honor Society, and as a student volunteer at several student open houses at LI. This is all in addition to having a part time job cleaning houses for three rental properties in the Northeast Kingdom."

Williams goes on to say, "Chelsea is also one of the most thoughtful students that I have ever worked with and takes pride in the work that she produces. She understands that education is the key to future success and opportunity, and works diligently every day to be the best student that she can."

Chelsea is the daughter of Heather Ott, Lyndonville.

Photo Caption: Lyndon Institute senior, Chelsea Ott, was nominated for the University of Vermont’s Green and Gold Scholarship, an honor awarded to Vermont’s very best students. Chelsea is seen here after receiving a Certificate of Excellence in celebration of her achievement from Lyndon Institute Head of School, Dr. Brian Bloomfield, during an all-school assembly on 9/13/22.

Photo: Javin Leonard/Lyndon Institute