Claire named Presidential Scholar

Montpelier- The Vermont Agency of Education announced recently that Andrew Claire, of West Dover and a senior at Burr and Burton Academy, has been named a 2023 Vermont Presidential Scholar. Andrew was recognized at a ceremony at the Vermont Statehouse.
This student joins an outstanding class of students from around Vermont, selected based on nominations from teachers, administrators, and fellow students. Among this year’s scholars are technologists, writers, student leaders, advocates, mentors, and volunteers.
Claire is currently at the top of his class academically. He has worked closely with the school’s technology department to build a super-computer to mine Bitcoin to generate funds for the school. Claire created the first varsity E-Sports team that allowed academically challenged students to compete at the varsity level against other electronic sports teams from around the state. He served as the team manager and developed a transition plan so the students can pass on the program to future classes. Claire served as a production assistant on a feature length documentary. He has spent the past two seasons on the boys’ varsity soccer team. Locally, he volunteers at the MHCA Dover Cinema and is a freeskiing instructor at Mount Snow. Claire will be attending Duke University in the fall of 2023.
Vermont’s presidential scholar class of 2023 exemplifies the best of Vermont Education, said Secretary of Education Dan French.  Presidential Scholars are recognized in three categories; general, arts, and career technical education. This year’s group of scholars includes students working to destigmatize mental health, prioritize equity in their school libraries, found new school clubs, master the trumpet, and teaching other students to code.