Kittatinny student pursues national award

NEWTON — Ellen Tomlinson, a senior at Kittatinny Regional High School, has been nominated to compete in the national Principal’s Leadership Award (PLA) scholarship program, cosponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Herff Jones, Inc. Christian Angelillo, principal at Kittatinny, has announced the nomination which places Tomlinson in the national competition. One hundred national winners will be chosen this spring to receive college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000. High school principals from across the country were able to nominate one of their student leaders. Nominees were selected based on their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and club, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience and academic record. They were also required to write an essay. “Ellen’s strong academic record, leadership style, and volunteerism in a wide range of school activities make her an excellent candidate for this award," said Angelillo. "Taking four AP/honors subjects this year, Ellen is equally at home in advanced classes and Student Council meetings as she is singing with the Chamber Choir and being on stage in school plays and musicals.” Tomlinson is a member of Peer Leadership, the National Honor Society, the Academic Team and the French Club. As a peer leader, she has mentored junior high students in transition to high school and volunteered for two years to participate in a summit on behavioral changes in a bullying environment. She has also been a Relay for Life volunteer with the American Cancer Society. Ellen Tomlinson is the daughter of Robin and Bruce Tomlinson of Fredon Township. With a 4.2 GPA, she is ranked 11 in her class of 186. After graduating high school, Ellen plans to continue with advanced education but is undecided about which college to attend.