Madeleine Penicaud: Spotlight Student of the Month

Every month, Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) nominates a student whose accomplishments merit special recognition. They're dubbed the "spotlight student of the month." This month, the final student of the 2010–2011 school year is Madeleine Pénicaud, whose list of accomplishments go all the way back to junior high. "I've always been involved in a lot of sports and a lot of groups," said Madeleine. "I think the Island has a lot to offer. There's a real variety of things you can do."

As the daughter of Margaret Mayhew Pénicaud, the founder of Fish Farm for Haiti, it seems that helping others runs in the family. In 2009 Madeleine raised awareness and money for the Fish Farm for Haiti and traveled there just prior to the devastating earthquake. In Haiti, she visited orphanages, taught children origami, built a pig pen and worked in soup kitchens.

Locally, Madeleine volunteers for SafeRides, raises money for Safe Haven and continues to raise money for the Fish Farm. She's also a member of the National Honors Society and student government, captain of girls' track and field and plays varsity basketball and varsity soccer. She's headed off to University of North Carolina Wilmington in the fall, where she's undecided on a major but thinking about pre-law.

When asked what others looking to follow in her footsteps should do to get started volunteering and getting involved locally and abroad, she said, "Look at what your school has to offer, figure out what you’re interested in and just start trying things."