Donovan Ellis

I am currently a graduating senior at Destrehan High School in Louisiana with great aspirations of becoming a writer. Growing up in St. Rose, a small town in Louisiana, and dealing with the devastating aftermath of hurricanes. There were many times where the only thing to occupy my mind was to write. During those times when my family would await the all-clear to return home or the return of electricity after a hurricane has plowed through toppling powerlines like bowling balls. Writing became my distraction and an outlet. It has been my vehicle of comfort this year as summer creative writing opportunities to distinguished academies were canceled due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Over time my interest in stories and shows development even more. From superheroes, ancient mythologies too distant solar systems, and other phenomena that we have spent millennia exploring.
I strive to achieve a level of creativity that requires me to push my imaginative mind to its limits as other writers before me. I have been successful academically at my high school and have gained tremendous leadership skills as the vice president of our high school's Anime Club. A leadership role that has allowed me to represent our eclectic members and develop the ability to solve problems while working with others creatively. I have been an active member of our school swim team since freshman year and have lettered in the sport. When cancer struck close to home, affecting members of my community and my grandmother. I volunteered my services. Whether participating in childhood cancer awareness walks, volunteering at fundraisers for a community member battling leukemia, swimathons to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. I continue to fulfill my need to service my community in various capacities as we try to provide comfort and aid to those stricken by recent weather-related events in the state of Louisiana and surrounding states. An important realization that this past year has taught me is that humankind is resilient. Change is something to embrace and not fear. It has made me confident yet adaptable I am ready for the next phase of defining myself as I look forward to college and becoming a writer.