Former FSHS student, Ella Beth, made a return to the high school building on Wednesday, July 19th- alongside Superintendent Destry Brown. During this time, they met with the head of the Timken Foundation to discuss her diligent efforts that were made in the upgrade of the FSHS courtyard. The Timken Foundation also proposed adding in a plaque of recognition to the courtyard specifically for Ms. Beth.
According to Ella, the greatest parts of this transformation were not only seeing it come together but being able to network with others in the community and work with different students in the process. Eventually, these events led Ella to Kansas State University where she will be entering her junior year this Fall. She is not only studying Interior Architecture, but also working remotely for a custom furniture business located in Connecticut, a custom leather and furniture business, and even doing some custom requests for drawings and graphics.
This rewarding journey began for Ella in her Freshman year of high school, when the idea for the courtyard was formed. Although, the actual project did not start until her sophomore year. With waiting on grants, as well as enduring the times of Covid, most of the work on the courtyard was not completed until her senior year. Though this transformation has taken place, for Ella, it is not quite finished until she is able to create a donor wall dedicated to all those who have helped her along the way.
As far as the desire to leave a mark in the world, Ella explained that though it is very important to have a good support system, never be afraid to have an idea and run with it.
Great job on your hard work, Ella!