It hardly seems possible, but it’s true. The end of this school year is upon us! And memories are in the making as we prepare to celebrate the Ellis High School Class of 2025 this Saturday, and finish the school year with classroom learning and fun! Don’t forget to welcome all of the EHS alumni during Memorial Day Weekend as class of 2025 is honored.
Although the school year is wrapping up, there is still good news to share! Here are just a few highlights — be sure to follow us on Facebook for regular updates.
• Ellis High School was named an All-Star School by the Kansas Board of Regents with resources and support to help set students up for success after graduation.
• Fifth graders Addyson McMillan (Anne Frank) and Morgan Howard (Annie Oakley) proudly represented WGS in the Hays Arts Council Famous Figures competition.
• The junior class, sponsored by Miss Crawford and Mrs. Nilhas, made prom a beautiful and special occasion for our students. The Midnight Masquerade theme was a huge success!
• Mr. Armbruster secured a Midwest Energy grant to add a recumbent bike to our weight room.
• Our fourth, fifth and sixth graders celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up properties around town.
• The team at Equity Bank including Allen Weber, Connie Fox, and Alyson Johnson, taught our senior class smart ways to avoid financial scams.
• Congratulations to our EHS Forensic team! State Placers include: Elie Brull 2nd, Kenzie Sunley 4th, Mason Rohleder 5th, Emma Downing 4th, and Maggie Fitzgerald and Madison Birdsong 4th. Way to go Railers! Also, a big thanks to Coach Kauten!
This is the time of year that I like to take a deep breath and reflect on just how far we have come since the first day of school. It’s a great moment for gratitude for our teachers, staff, families and students for being part of a great school year. It takes all of us to make the magic happen.
To our teachers and staff: Thank you for investing in our students’ bright futures each and every day. Thank you especially to retirees John Befort and Brandon Armbruster for the incalculable difference you have made to our students and community over your careers.
To our families: Thank you for trusting us as your partner in learning. Our students flourish when we work together to understand, support, encourage and celebrate the things that make your child unique.
To our students: Thank you for inspiring us to work harder, every single day. You are our hopeful future, our never-give-up motivation. You are our why.
I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Ellis Board of Education. They have provided thoughtful leadership over the last year, listening carefully to the people they represent and serve. This is reflected in many different ways, including the new strategic plan, which was approved at the April meeting.
The board has four seats up for election. Who do you know who wants to help in shaping a great future for our schools? Contact district office or the county elections clerk to learn more about the role or how to file. But don’t wait — the filing deadline is Monday, June 2 at noon.
Spring is a time of beginnings and endings. I am already excited for a new school year in the fall, full of memories yet to be made. And I hope to see you at EHS graduation on Saturday as we watch a new class of Railroaders enter a new chapter of their lives. No matter where you are in your life, thank you for being part of the Ellis School District. Together, we are making a difference.
Janice Wilson
Superintendent