Hoosac Valley's Brodie Lanoue Presented With Superintendents' Award

ADAMS, Mass. — Hoosac Valley High School senior Brodie Lanoue received this year's Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' Academic Excellence Award. 

Aaron Dean, superintendent of the Hoosac Valley School District, presented Lanoue with the award during Monday night's School Committee meeting. In addition to his academic achievements, Lanoue also played for the school's soccer team and was named an all-star by coaches in the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference in December. 

Dean, a former teacher in the school system, said he had Lanoue as a student when he was younger, remarking that he had grown significantly in the years since teaching him. 

"What an honor," Dean said. "Congratulations, Mom and Dad. I mean, this doesn't happen by accident. Clearly, you have great role models in your life and I can't think of a better recipient, so congratulations." 

Hoosac Valley High School Principal Colleen Byrd provided anonymous quotes from several teachers who had Lanoue as a student. The teachers highlighted his outgoing and enjoyable attitude, both in and out of the classroom. 

"Brodie is by far one of the top students I've encountered in my 25-year teaching career in terms of academic aptitude," one teacher said. "Brodie is one of the top five students. He is a thinker, but not in a superficial way. In class, you can physically see Brodie approach a concept, ponder it, apply it and then articulate its meaning and contribution towards a piece of literature through writing or discussion. It really is one of the bright spots of my teaching career." 

"I had Brody two years ago in freshman biology class. From the first week of class I could tell him as a young man I was going to really enjoy having in class," a second teacher said. "Always on time, courteous and polite. I could also count on Rowley to share, laugh and have some fun all while getting his work done. To this day, when we see each other in the hall, we start to have a little chat and catch up a bit. I wish him well, and he wishes me a fine day." 

"Brodie is an exceptional student who's clever and hard-working," said a third teacher. "He never fails to make us laugh while submitting superior work." 

Another teacher, who taught Lanoue as a student in their Advanced Placement Literature and Composition class, complimented his writing skill and aptitude for textual analysis. 

"He's a highly determined young man. It's clear from his work ethic that he's motivated toward a bright future," the teacher said.

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