For many seniors, the final months of high school are a time to tally up trophies and awards, but for Ellie Huntsman, her sense of pride comes from a much deeper place. It isn’t just about her four years on the varsity volleyball court or her time spent on the track team — it’s about the intentional way she has made herself an essential part of the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ) community. From her involvement in bible study, advocating for the planet in the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA) or leading Student Leadership, her journey has been defined by a commitment to something larger than herself.
Beyond her active participation in her extracurricular commitments, Ellie is a constant, supportive presence in the audience, cheering on her peers at every opportunity. Her dedication stems from a deep sense of empathy for her fellow students.
“When people show up to my games and cheer me on, I play better and it’s just a great feeling having that support behind you. And knowing that other athletes and performers feel that same way makes me want to go support them and be loud for them,” Ellie said.
Ellie approaches her time in the bleachers with a clear purpose. She states, “I definitely love cheering on all my friends. I’d do anything to give that same feeling to other people.”
High schools all across the nation participate in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s philanthropic event known as Wish Week. It is a weeklong event where the student body rallies to fundraise for a life-changing wish of a child facing a critical illness. Whether the wish is a vacation to Hawaii or attending a Nuggets’ basketball game, the pressure to deliver is immense. Ellie navigated through all the challenges of Wish Week with resilience. While she was already a known leader, Ellie’s Wish Week efforts further distinguished her, catching the eye of her teachers and peers.
“There were obstacles and she was able to overcome them,” her teacher, Elizabeth Lynch, said. “She was always able to be positive and even in moments there was frustration, she was able to see through those obstacles and be more positive so that the group can reflect and act accordingly.”
This resilience extends into her daily schedule. Twice a week, during her own off-periods, she chooses to assist Ms. Lynch’s class, providing much needed peer engagement and hands-on support for students who require a bit more one-on-one attention. Her teacher notes that she consistently prioritizes helping out her peers rather than taking that time back for herself. Rather than focusing on her own rest or personal agenda, she finds a deep sense of personal pride in knowing she has been a source of support for someone else.
For Ellie, true fulfillment comes from these quiet acts of service. Her confidence is built on the positive impact she has on the lives of her community.
“When I think about leaders, it’s not just who’s the loudest, who’s the most visible, who’s doing things that everyone can see. It’s like what is happening behind the scenes to ensure that our school community as a whole is not only being supported but represented and I think she does that very well,” explained Ms. Lynch.
Throughout her TJ career, she has mastered the balance of honoring school traditions while remaining open to change and adding new twists. Ms. Lynch observed that, “Ellie doesn’t shut down ideas and will jump into any school opportunity when given, and I think that makes her a really proud Spartan.”