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Ellen Hailemelecot

Ellen Hailemelecot, a 17-year-old junior from Hagerstown, Md., has been awarded the second annual Karen Minner Scholarship at Highland View Academy. The presentation was made May 3, 2003 at the academy's Alumni Weekend. The $1,000 scholarship will be credited toward Ellen's tuition for the 2003-04 school year.

The faculty chose Ellen because of her outstanding academic record, her leadership on campus, and her participation in so many aspects of life at HVA. She sings in Highlanders and Chamber Singers, and is a forward for the Lady Tartans basketball team. On May 5, two days after winning this scholarship, Ellen was elected president of the Student Association for the 2003-04 school year.

An Eritrean national, Ellen was born in Kenya and has also lived in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Sweden, and Denmark. Most of her childhood, however, was spent in Huntsville, Ala., where her family moved when her older sister enrolled in Oakwood College.

She is the daughter of Kidisty Woldemariam and has two older sisters.

Ellen says she loves to travel and be exposed to new cultures. Her reading interests include mysteries, although her favorite author is Dr. Ben Carson. She also has eclectic musical tastes, running from R&B to classical, and her favorite piece is Pachelbel's Canon in D.

After HVA and college Ellen plans to go to medical school and hopes to become an obstetrician/gynecologist.

"Ellen is highly regarded on campus among peers and faculty alike for her trustworthiness, friendliness, and maturity. She has a constant smile and is always ready to lend a helping hand. We are happy to see her receive this award because she truly embodies Karen's spirit of love and friendship at HVA," says Jennifer Payne, English and history teacher.