Gabby Blanchard

2 months ago | castletonspartan.com | Henry Robertson |Maddie Lindgren |Gabby Blanchard |Gavin Bradley

On any given weekday, you can hear laughter and see smiles through the heavily decorated front windows of the Boys and Girls Club at 75 Merchants Row in Rutland. And when you step into the building you will be greeted by a friendly and safe environment. You’ll see around 30 kids who are learning and developing life skills with smiles on their faces. And alongside the youth in the club you’ll see the committed staff who are devoting their time and energy back into their community.

2 months ago | castletonspartan.com | Jess Emery |Maddie Lindgren |Gabby Blanchard |Will Smith

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, I had first day jitters for the last time. I packed my bag. I looked at my schedule a thousand times to make sure I knew where my classes were. I’d hoped to make good first impressions on new professors. All for the very last time, as I am a second-semester senior. It’s weird finally being here. Seventeen years of school to walk across a stage and enter the Real World. Where I’ll get a Real Job and have Real Problems and a Real Life. That’s how adults always talked about it at least.

2 months ago | castletonspartan.com | Caitlin Connelly |Maddie Lindgren |Gabby Blanchard |Will Smith

The months leading up to my arrival at Vermont State University Castleton were filled with nothing but excitement. That was, until the days started to go by faster, and move-in day went from three months to go to only three more days left. When the time came to say goodbye to my family, my room, and my cat, the long six-hour ride was filled with nothing but worry and dismay. However, once I arrived, after a few awkward ice breakers, I started to get used to being away from home.

Mar 12, 2024 | castletonspartan.com | Jess Emery |Gabby Blanchard |Aris Sherwood

Studying abroad is often described as a “life changing experience.”Students can immerse themselves within a culture for an extended period of time while also continuing to receive their education. While the experience comes with incredible lifelong memories and friends, it’s surely not without its day to day struggles.

Mar 12, 2024 | castletonspartan.com | Gabby Blanchard |Aris Sherwood

Believe it or not, many businesses in the Castleton Community enjoy having VTSU Castleton students around. On a recent afternoon, several businesses were visited, and workers were asked if they prefer Castleton when the students are here or when they’re away on break. Perhaps surprisingly, some readers, workers, and residents at each place said they prefer to have the students in the community. Birdseye Dinner was first, where Diana Amerio greeted this reporter.