Shining Student Spotlight: Ella D

Meet Ella D., an 8th-grade student at Kenton Ridge Middle School (KRMS) and this week’s shining student spotlight! Ella is known to be an outstanding student, who is a great leader and role model to others. She is passionate about many things, but most passionate about helping others out whenever they need it. When she isn’t being selfless, she is out enjoying her time doing the things she loves. 

Ella is always on the move, keeping busy with a variety of activities that keep her active and engaged. A passionate horse enthusiast, she spends a lot of time at the barn, helping care for and riding horses. Her dedication shines through at shows, especially during the fall, winter, and spring competitions. One of her proudest achievements was placing third at the national Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA) horse competition during the summer. When she's not with her horses, Ella stays active with Kenton Ridge's cross country and track teams, continuing to challenge herself in the offseason by running with her dad or brother.

In addition to her sports activities, Ella treasures spending quality time with the people she loves—her family, friends, and pets. One of her favorite memories with friends was 8th grade night, where she had a blast and even made new friends. Ella’s love for animals is just as strong; she shares her home with a 10-year-old Goldendoodle named Charlie, a 5-year-old cat named Joy, and three chickens: Tiny, Steak Fry, and Sassafrass (Sassy for short). When she’s not hanging out with her pets or enjoying a fun girls' night with friends, Ella can be found adventuring with her family. Whether hiking in the mountains, traveling, or observing wildlife, she loves these moments with her family, including her brother Oliver, a 10th grader at Kenton Ridge.

Oliver is someone Ella looks up to and who inspired her love for band. She began playing the trombone in 5th grade, and has now been in band for three years. Ella explains, “I wanted to join band because I saw how good my brother, Oliver, was at playing the trumpet, and I wanted to do something like that. But with the trombone, of course.” While she’s enjoyed band throughout middle school, Ella isn’t sure yet if she will continue in high school, though she’s leaning towards saying yes. She’s also considering joining the marching band. In addition to band, Ella may continue with the choir in high school as well since she enjoys singing and likes to stay busy.

With her busy schedule, Ella stays organized and avoids feeling overwhelmed by following a personal motto from Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” This quote reminds her to always be the best version of herself and lend a helping hand to others. When Ella finds time for herself, she enjoys cooking and baking, and she’s particularly known for her delicious s’mores brownies. She also loves doing word search puzzles in her free time. 

Our NELSD community is very lucky to have such an amazing, kind, and generous student like Ella D.! Keep up the amazing work, Ella!

Author: Communications Intern Ximena Juarez-Chavez (KRHS ‘26)