Before They Go: Ella Hartshorn

The senior next in line for this series, Ella Hartshorn, will surely be missed at DHS. Ella has always been a well-rounded student. She plays sports, gets good grades, and has participated in (and has even started) numerous clubs.

A highly active Marauder, Ella was captain of the cross country and track and field teams. She has made big strides in every sport she participated in and is even considering continuing to compete in college. Ella found a safe space in her sports. She met numerous friends, had something to look forward to, and, as she would say, “uncontrollably laugh 24/7.”

“I feel that one of the best parts of doing high school sports is the concerts we would put on while riding the bus during track. Screaming 2010 Justin Bieber is the best.”

In terms of her coaches, she noted the efforts of Ms. Vail, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Barbuto.

“As a junior, I was hesitant to join cross country, but I remember Ms. Vail greeted everyone so openly and made everyone feel like they were welcomed. She makes the team feel like one big family, most boys and girls teams at DHS are separated but, as cringey as it seems, she made us all feel like one big family.”

Ella is also grateful for the life lessons she received from Mr. Walker. He wasn’t just a coach, but rather a mentor who helped her in all aspects of her life, helping her not only become a better runner, but also a better person. His guidance extended academically as well, most significantly with writing.

Reflecting on Mr. Barbuto, she said, “He made track serious and fun at the same time. He always wanted everyone to do their best. He pushed me to try harder and to work harder on my goals.”

One of the most notable things Ella did for DHS was starting the Feminist Club. Alongside Jolie Gertsen, Ella created an open space for people to come and talk about heavy matters. She has also been a member of many other school clubs, including the art club, student council, and SAGA. She truly believes these clubs make DHS a better place. Through these clubs, she has learned to be more in touch with her emotions, as well as ways to support friends who are suffering through hardships.

During her time at DHS, Ella grew to love Marine Science and Art. She loved the material, classmates, and teachers. She credits Ms. Casali with being very down to earth and accepting, conducting a very upbeat class, and Ms. Teixeira with being very kind and supportive supportive of her students, always having a fun attitude.

Looking towards the future, Ella has chosen to major in marine biology, but is still deciding between art and environmental science as her minor. She plans to commit to the University of New Haven.

Ella holds many priceless memories from her time at DHS. Some of her favorite memories are little moments, such as sitting at a lunch table full of friends in all different grades.

Many underclassmen look up to Ella as a mentor. All of us here at DHS know that she will accomplish great things in the next chapter of her life and are excited to follow her endeavors!