Housatonic Valley Regional High School student of the week

The Lakeville Journal congratulates the honorees of the student of the week program at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. FALLS VILLAGE — If space were no consideration, the dozens of students who performed in and worked on “Guys & Dolls” last weekend would all be our students of the week. But it was Housatonic senior Ellie Yahn’s performance onstage and in school that have made her our choice for this week. Ellie said she found it difficult to maintain Adelaide’s indefatigable bubbliness through rehearsal after rehearsal, yet she admits a place in her own personality for such optimism and cheerfulness. She said she prepared for the role by watching mob movies to perfect her New York accent, and her extensive experience as both a singer and an actress in local theater helped her to refine her dramatic techniques.Predictably, Ellie enjoys her English classes, drama and creative writing with Mr. deRham, with whom she has honed her acting and short story writing skills. Like her experience with the play, writing offers Ellie the opportunity to explore the psychology of her characters, a study that she hopes to continue in college.Music is Ellie’s passion, however, and now that the play is finished, she will undoubtedly spend more time with Jazz Band, Jazz Choir and Sweethearts — while running track for the first time. Ellie has a long history as a soccer athlete, and she was elected captain of the Housatonic squad last fall.Just as she tucked her long hair into that short, blonde wig last weekend, Ellie seems capable of squeezing a range of activities into the day, and we have marveled at her diverse talents during her time here at Housatonic. We look forward to what the future will hold for this gifted young woman.— Ian Strever, assistant principal, Housatonic Valley Regional High School