Academic Standout - Ella S.

Please join us in congratulating Senior Ella Strong as KMS’ first Academic Standout of the 2025–26 school year! KMS’ Academic Standout recognition, presented by our teaching faculty, honors students who demonstrate exceptional commitment and drive toward excellence both in the classroom and during distance learning. Students from all KMS programs are eligible to be recognized throughout the year. Each recognition is shared through personal narratives at our weekly all-school meetings, with an official write-up posted on KMS’ social media platforms and website. 

We are excited to recognize Ella this week. Here is what her teachers had to say: 

Registrar and Math & Science teacher Brigette Muller offers the first nomination:

“Ella is in both my Honors Calculus and Honors Physics classes this year. Every class block she has been on time, respectful, and enthusiastic! Ella asks great questions and contributes meaningfully during class. During the first week of school she asked me to post all the material we would cover up to the end of her first trip so she could get ahead. Ella has gone above and beyond these first few weeks of school and has really prioritized her academics! Awesome work!” 

Dr. Mara Taylor, English Department Chair, seconds the nomination:

“In English so far this year, Ella stands out for her academic responsibility and enthusiasm for literature. She has turned in all her assignments on time, sometimes even before they're due! She has taken the initiative to schedule meetings with me outside of class for clarification, as needed. The writing she has turned in has been polished and well-organized. She has been particularly attuned to gender dynamics in our current novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Keep up the good work, Ella!” 

Ian Groezinger, Social Studies Co-Chair, adds:

“Ella has begun the year with a strong start in Public Speaking. She recently participated in an impromptu speech exercise, where she was randomly assigned a topic, given three minutes to prepare, and tasked with delivering a one-minute presentation. Initially, she approached the activity with confidence, but quickly recognized the challenge it posed. This realization motivated her to craft an excellent speech of introduction. Additionally, Ella demonstrated initiative by seeking support and clarification multiple times throughout the assignment.” 

Rounding out these nominations is Courtney O’Keefe, Social Studies Department Co-Chair, Advisory Coordinator, and College Counseling Co-Advisor:

“This year, I have the unique opportunity to support Ella through her college application process. While this process is complex and demanding, Ella has approached it with the same determination and focus she has always shown. She is diving into each step of the Common App with confidence, bringing the same work ethic and drive that she demonstrated in my Social Studies classes. I am especially impressed with her self-advocacy skills- always reaching out to ask questions, seek clarification, and collaborate towards her goals. Although I miss having her as part of my history classes this year, I am proud to see such a young individual working hard towards the next phase of their lives. Great work, Ella!”

Please join us in celebrating Ella this week!