Some people hit their stride later in life, others are on the road to success at an early age. That’s the case for Elizabeth Anderson.
Elizabeth, who is a 2020 graduate of Kurn Hattin Homes (KHH) and the daughter of Amber Malloy and KHH Houseparent Bob Anderson, built quite a resume during her time at Bellows Falls Union High School (BFUHS) before she graduated in 2024. Her stellar academic success, coupled with her involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, earned her the honor of being named Student of the Month in February 2024 from the Brattleboro Elks Lodge 1499. Hearing the news, Elizabeth said she was surprised and honored to learn what the teachers had to say about her. The Brattleboro Reformer ran an article and quoted a number of teachers who noted Elizabeth’s accomplishments. Here are some of their commendations…
- Always positive, Elizabeth is a pleasure to work with. She brings positive energy and enthusiasm to class assignments, discussions, and various activities.
- Elizabeth sets high standards for herself. She cares about learning for the benefit of learning rather than concentrating on “just the number grade.”
- She has signed up for enrichment programs in the past to pursue her special interests, which speaks volumes for her academic growth.
- Dedicated to doing well, she sets goals and then lines up her academic schedule to meet post-high school requirements for her career interests.
So what are Elizabeth’s career interests? Elizabeth was accepted to Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire, where she is pursuing a double major in Emergency Medical Services and Health Sciences. Her future sights are set on becoming an emergency room nurse and eventually a travelling nurse.
Elizabeth says, “I’m ready. I’m confident about where I want to go and what I want to do. I chose Franklin Pierce because of their excellent programs and because of their location. I’ve always wanted to be in the health field because I like helping people. I also liked the idea of being away, but not too far away.”
Elizabeth likes a lot of things. Among her interests are softball and soccer. She was captain of the BFUHS soccer team and always gave 100% off and on the field. She recalls one soccer victory when she headed the ball into goal for the only point of the game. “That was using my head in a completely different way,” she chuckles.
Here’s what Elizabeth doesn’t like. “I don’t like to sit around,” she says. “I don’t know where I get the energy, but I always have to be doing something. I’m driven because I know that it takes a proactive effort to reach high goals and standards. So, I’m super dedicated to working hard and taking the initiative to reach my goals. I’m never afraid to step up and take on challenges if it means that, in the end, I’ll be successful.”
That attitude is positioning her well for college and for her future. Upon reflection Elizabeth says, “I’m more prepared for life because of what I was taught at Kurn Hattin.”
Elizabeth attended KHH from 4th grade through 8th grade graduation. Her advice for current students is to pay attention and listen. However, Elizabeth didn’t always follow her own advice. “In class, I remember rolling my eyes, not listening very well, and thinking, ‘I won’t need this information in the future.’ Now that I’m older, I realize that what I learned at KHH has already come back to me, and believe me, I’m listening now!”
Elizabeth isn’t the only one listening. The committee that reviews candidates for the Kurn Hattin annual Thomas G. Fahner Memorial Scholarship Award was listening when Elizabeth submitted her application essay, and they heard her loud and clear. This scholarship award, which is given to a current or past graduate who shares Mr. Fahner’s values of integrity, compassion, and the determination to succeed, was awarded to Elizabeth at the 2024 Kurn Hattin Homes graduation ceremony.
In her acceptance speech, Elizabeth said, “Growing up in [the Kurn Hattin Homes] environment shaped my values and perspective on the importance of community and helping others. As I step forward into my future, I will be attending Franklin Pierce University to double major in Health Sciences and Emergency Medical Services. Receiving the Thomas G. Fahner Scholarship Award will greatly impact my journey in nursing.”
For her BFUHS senior project, Elizabeth built a tiny library to be installed at the Westminster Center School on School Street in Westminster, Vermont, just around the corner from her other alma mater, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children.
In her Bellows Falls Union High School graduation picture, Elizabeth Anderson is posed and poised for a bright future.
—Elizabeth Anderson, KHH Class of 2020