Lauren Coppola (Essex Junction)
2003 Notable Student
Essex High School, Essex Junction

As part of a home room advisory period for underclassmen, Lauren educated students on the spot when she addressed the homophobic words and comments she heard the students using. From this, she and others have had several discussions, with faculty present, about how the attitudes expressed in the common language of students "is not harmless and, in fact, is discriminatory."

In her senior year, Lauren organized a presentation for faculty in order to renew support for faculty members who oppose discrimination against LGBTQ students, and to provide faculty with effective methods to handle situations of harassment and discrimination in the school.

Lauren will be attending Acadia University this fall where she will study psychology.