NANTICOKE – Ella Alles, junior class president, goes beyond just holding a title; she actively works to make sure every student at GNA has a voice.
We sat down with Ella to discuss her role, her busy schedule, and her vision for our school.
A Vision for Change
For Ella, running for office wasn’t about the title—it was about the impact. “I wanted to make sure everybody had a voice to share their opinion,” she explains. She believes that a true leader is someone who is responsible, hardworking, and cooperative. Most importantly, she notes, a leader must “know when to speak up for what’s right.”
This desire to serve stems from a genuine care for her peers. Ella views her position as a bridge between the student body and the administration. Whether she is discussing fundraising for the upcoming prom with class advisors or tackling specific school issues, her door is always open.
“Serving is important to me because I want to be able to impact people’s lives,” Ella says. “I want the best for everybody.”
The Balancing Act
Looking at Ella’s resume, it’s a wonder she has time to sleep. Beyond her presidential duties, she is a powerhouse in the local community and on the field. Her extracurriculars include:
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Sports: Cross Country, Soccer, and Basketball.
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Clubs: Junior Leadership, Key Club, Adventure Club, and Student Council.
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Work: She is currently employed at Birchwood Rehabilitation Healthcare Center.
How does she manage it all? Ella credits a disciplined mindset. “I always take a step back and see everything I have to do,” she says. She prioritizes finishing schoolwork during class hours to free up time for her many after-school responsibilities.
Facing the Future
When asked about the biggest challenge facing GNA students today, Ella pointed to a lack of confidence. She believes many students are afraid to speak up for themselves. Her goal as an officer is to create an environment where students feel comfortable bringing their ideas to the table so the officers can help advocate for them.
Despite the challenges, Ella finds the atmosphere at GNA to be incredibly rewarding. “Everybody is friendly and always has a smile on their face whenever you greet them,” she says of the school’s unique environment.
Looking Ahead
Though she still has plenty of time left in her high school career, Ella is already eyeing the future. She plans to attend college for business, with a focus on Business Administration.
If she could give her freshman-year self one piece of advice, it would be a reminder we could all use: “Enjoy every minute, even when you don’t want to. Sometimes you take things for granted even when you don’t mean to.”
As the junior class looks toward prom and their final year of high school, they can rest easy knowing they have a president who is not only working for them but truly listening to them.
