Pioneer Academy names March student of the month

Pioneer Academy’s March student of the month is online sophomore Ashley Ellis.
Ellis has thrived since she joined the Pioneer family mid-year of ninth grade. She is taking multiple dual-credit courses while maintaining a 3.95 GPA. As Ellis tackles the daily challenges of self-motivation and striving to improve herself, she sees knowledge as her cornerstone to success.
“Success to me is built on knowledge, determination and a willingness to do something with yourself,” she said. “I found success in my grades by building on knowledge I already had and putting in the effort to make sure I keep them up.”
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many students, Ellis said anxiety has sometimes been a barrier to finding that smooth pathway to success.
“My greatest obstacle so far has honestly been myself,” she said. “I was so angry and confused with everything for so long that I kept getting in my own way. I overcame this by thinking about what I was doing, and eventually coming to the conclusion that I’d much rather be doing something else.”
Now she doesn’t let anxiety prevent her from participating in activities like yoga and National honor society. Ellis also stated her appreciation for Mrs. Council. Ellis said Council has helped by showing her that she has great potential and by always being there when she needed to send her an email asking for help.
Maintaining a balanced life is important to Ellis, so she also prioritizes time for herself to explore her interests and develop friendships. She says she loves to read fantasy and fiction books with the occasional romance novel mixed in. Her reading also fuels her desire to write her own novels and poetry and one day publish her own book.
Ellis would like to finish high school by completing an associate of arts degree from WNC in the Jumpstart program. She then plans to return to college to earn a registered nursing degree, then specialize in midwifing and one day operate her own midwife practice.
Ellis is a creative, ambitious and bright young star at Pioneer Academy with a determination to show her best to the world.
For information, visit www.carsoncityschools.com.