There are sure some extraordinary students who attend Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School. One who especially sticks out to me is Ellen Collins, full-time student and full-time gymnast.

Ellen trains 24 hours a week at Centre Elite Gymnastics in State College, PA. Ellen’s life has been greatly changed by gymnastics as she explains: “My life has been greatly impacted by gymnastics. My life has definitely gotten much busier since I started, but I have been doing the sport for a long time so I am used to the long, busy days. I also have been given many close friends from the sport that are from other schools.” How busy the sport is motivates Ellen to manage her time well and thrive in school.

So, how does Ellen manage school with having such a packed gymnastics schedule? Time management. Here is one example of just how Ellen manages her time: “I do my homework on the way home from the gym and at home before I got to bed. I also use any spare time I am given in class to get work done.”

Don’t get it twisted, though. School always comes first for Ellen, as she likes to keep high-honors every quarter. Ellen prioritizes school over gymnastics no matter what: “My school work has always been very important. I make sure I get my homework done, and I reserve time for studying when it is needed. Gymnastics has taught me more than how to do flips, it taught me how to manage my time and prioritize what is most important.”

Ellen sometimes struggles to make time for her friends due to her tight schedule, but when she can, Ellen makes it work: “With a tight schedule, I sometimes struggle spending time with my friends from school as well as attending school activities. Whenever possible, I try my best to spend time with them and take part in school activities.” You read correctly. On top of school and gymnastics, Ellen volunteers at school whenever she can.

This is what makes Ellen so worthy of this student in the spotlight article. Between 24 hours of gymnastics a week, going to school, taking dual-enrolled classes, and volunteering, Ellen is sure someone that anyone can learn something from. She always strives for perfection and never settles for less. Ellen dreams big and will go great places in the world. Thanks for being you, Ellen.