The Power of an Ellis Voice
As I reflect on life at Ellis during the past month, I am struck by the many times in which Ellis’ ability to support girls developing their own voices has absolutely shone. Early in the month, we had more than 60 alumnae on campus for Reunion Weekend. I asked these graduates to tell me what Ellis had meant to them.
Time and again they shared stories of developing a strong, confident sense of who they were, the ability to express, and stand up for themselves in the larger world, and the impact Ellis’ all-girls environment had on their ability to build strong, supportive friendships. A panel of five alumnae were truly inspirational as they spoke with Upper School girls, describing their journeys from Ellis, through college, and out into the professional world. Anyone doubting the power of the Ellis experience, and the benefits of being in a challenging but caring all-girls environment would have had their doubts erased after hearing these women speak about the impact an Ellis education had on them.
Just prior to Reunion, a group of Middle and Upper School girls did a beautiful job of demonstrating their own unique and diverse voices as they participated in panels during our admission open house. We adults can talk a lot about the power of the Ellis experience, but that can’t compare with how Ellis girls talk about the ways in which they stretch and grow while here, all the while weaving deep bonds with each other, their teachers and the School.
I hope many of you will see the Upper School play, Rhinoceros, please consider joining us for a performance tonight or tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. Our rich performing arts program is one of many great ways in which Ellis girls are challenged at every grade level to literally use their voices and test themselves, sometimes right on the edge of their comfort zones. These age-appropriate experiences in a supportive and caring community give girls remarkable opportunities for growth.
One of my hopes is that we get better and better at telling these stories about Ellis, whether it be through our events, formal communications, or in the grocery store line. We all have an important and powerful message to share with parents of daughters—that Ellis really is the best place for a girl to go to school in Pittsburgh.
Envision Her at Ellis
If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.
