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DeYoung Hails CCHS as Springboard
In an age and culture that promotes a bigger is better mentality, one Calvin graduate is quick to point out the advantages of something smaller. Calvin Christian High School’s first graduating class, a class of 13, included Ellen DeYoung, a gifted and motivated student. DeYoung found that Calvin’s small numbers allowed for a unique relationship with the faculty. She stated, “They challenge you to pursue excellence.” During her time at CCHS, DeYoung responded well to those challenges, accumulating a 4.0 GPA and showing her readiness for college by posting an ACT score of 30. But she looks beyond academics in her appreciation for Calvin’s intimate setting. “At a larger school, I probably would have become hesitant to become involved in theatre, but Calvin offered me the opportunity to try something I might not have pursued otherwise.”
As a senior at CCHS, Ellen chose the subject of theatre for her independent project, and landed an internship with the Children’s Theatre, which became her classroom for learning. While it offered opportunity to take part in various aspects of theatre production, she shared that the highlight was being invited to shadow the Assistant Stage Manager backstage during the performance of “A Year with Frog and Toad.” “I was ridiculously intimidated,” she admitted, “but also ridiculously happy, and I think that experience has contributed to my continued interest in theatre today.”
DeYoung has taken that experience and interest to Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, Having declared a double major in English and Theatre, she has been very involved in theatre productions, including stage managing Dordt’s fall production of The Secret Garden, where she manages 23 college students and 17 children from the community. She also sings in the choir and writes for the college newspaper—The Voice.
DeYoung’s transition to college academics has been a smooth one, and she gives credit to her high school experience. “Because CCHS focused so much on individual learning and on cultivating good writing skills, I felt very prepared for being successful in college academics.” She realizes that Calvin offered a unique experience. “We were given the freedom to choose what we were going to study for independent projects. We were encouraged to challenge ourselves and our thinking.”
While one might think that such a motivated and talented student would be eager to have career plans mapped out, DeYoung seems happy to let things slowly unfold. There is clearly an enjoyment of college life, of using her gifts, and of learning. Calvin states, in its mission statement, a desire to see students become deep thinkers and life-long learners, and it takes great pride in seeing one such student in Ellen DeYoung.
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