As summer break is underway, I will take one more chance to congratulate the Class of 2026 — and all our students, teachers and staff — on another wonderful school year.
It was also exciting to see so many people during the 125th Ellis High School Alumni Reunion. What a weekend! I’d estimate we had more than 400 people in attendance to enjoy the car show, golf tournament, parade, fun scheduled events and our traditional veteran memorial service. Thank you to our Alumni board and volunteers for making this a special weekend. I will always call Ellis my hometown, and I could not imagine a better way to enjoy friends and family.
This year’s reunion also prompted me to reflect on my decision to come home to Ellis in 2022. Four years ago, I was excited to be closer to my family. And I was thrilled to be part of a school district that has been amazing since I was a little girl growing up here — a district that values education, values students and believes in exceptionally high standards for all.
Looking back, 2022 was a full-circle moment of sorts. Even though they had passed, I set out to make my mom and dad (Ralph and Julie Honas) proud. All 10 of us kids grew up learning from them the lessons of hard work, compassion, integrity and faith. These are the values I hoped would guide me as a new superintendent.
Along the way, I learned the truth is that Ellis is special, not because of any one leader or position. Ellis is special because of countless people here who want good things for kids and are always willing to help out a neighbor. It’s just that simple.
Of course, this includes the people who work in our schools every day, in every role. They never cease to blow me away! For example, our music program is shining, student achievement is outperforming the state average, teachers are earning their Seal of Literacy, our girls’ track team just won a fourth straight state regional championship and are the 2026 1A state runner-up champions. And there is so much more. Thanks to our educators and staff — and our students’ families — our students are thriving, and our graduates are prepared for life after high school. Whether college, trade school, working the family farm or another career, EHS grads are making the world a better place.
The school board is yet another example of the people who make Ellis great. In 2022, they had a vision for a district that carried forward the wonderful things happening in our schools, while implementing a bond improving communication, connection and engagement. These goals are now reflected in the board’s strategic plan, which was built upon the input, ideas and needs expressed by staff, families and community members. It was inspiring to see all these groups come together and focus on the future of Ellis schools, and I’m excited to watch the plan’s progress continue to unfold in the years ahead.
And, of course, none of this is possible without our community and partners. By working together, individuals, local organizations and generous charitable foundations continue to make an immeasurable difference in our schools and for the young people who learn here. This has been — and will continue to be — the driving force that makes Ellis schools so special.
Together, over the last four years, the commitment of our staff, families, board and community has enabled us to open a student-run print shop, pass a 4.5-million-dollar bond, build a new early childhood center, excel in teaching civic leadership, grow our communication channels, express our Railer pride and expand horizons for all. The future of Ellis is bright in these hands.
It’s a privilege to have played even the smallest role in Ellis’ success the last four years. Every success here is shared and does, indeed, belong to you. Thank you for all of your support and welcome home the past four years. All of this is why, no matter where life takes me, I will always be Railer proud.
Janice Wilson
Superintendent