A high school student isn’t defined by just one thing, and every extracurricular is a part of a bigger picture for their future. Ella Howton, a senior at GRC, is involved in almost every extracurricular you can imagine. As the Student Y Club KUNA president, Drug Free Youth Club President, Cardinal Singers president, involvement in GRC Musicals, and so much more, she is a part of it all.
When she is trying to balance all these activities, she faces some challenges, but she is one who loves to be busy. When she has so many ways to be a part of the community and school, she is drawn to accept them all.
“It’s hard to fit it all in,” said Howton. “Sometimes I have to split time and sometimes I have to pick and choose. There are just so many amazing opportunities in Winchester and in our school that I just want to be involved in all of them.”
One of these opportunities was Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) and she ended up winning for Clark County. This gives her the opportunity to make an impact on younger girls and for her to compete again in January.
“Ever since I watched my first DYW back in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be a part of that and now here I am,” said Howton. “From the friends I made during the week of the program to getting the opportunity to speak to young girls about how they can be their best selves, it has truly been the most wonderful experience. I have had a blast so far preparing for the next level.”
Along with preparing for DYW this summer, she also went to the Governor’s Scholars Program for 5 weeks. She made many new friends throughout her experience and encourages all underclassmen to do it.
“I encourage all rising juniors to apply,” said Howton. “From the experiences it offers you to the lifelong friends you make, there really are no down sides to the program. I actually got to see my best friends this weekend. It truly was a life changing summer.”
Within our school, Ella is the president of the student council for the senior class. This has made her more secure with sharing her opinions with others.
“The student council has honestly given me a voice, I suddenly am more comfortable and confident in myself,” said Howton. “When it’s your turn to speak, it feels so good knowing that you’re making an impact. That’s what matters.”
All these activities have made her very thankful for being able to be involved in them all. She has met so many new people which has opened up so many opportunities for her.
“It has made me appreciate so many different things,” said Howton. “I am so fortunate to get to participate in so many different activities tailored for different people. Because of that, I have met so many amazing people that I might not have otherwise. It expanded my horizons in ways that I could never imagine.”
