Teacher Feature: Ellensohn's Endeavors

Last Friday at our district Missouri Association of Student Council meeting, Candace Ellensohn, WNMS Stuco advisor, won the spot as Trails West District Advisor of the Year. Members nominate advisors and those advisors are then voted on, the winner being announced at the end of the meeting. “I honestly still haven't wrapped my head around it. I didn't even send this to my STUCO kids as I'm a brand new sponsor and honestly didn't think I deserved to be nominated. But my kids had other plans I guess.” It’s safe to say Candace was surprised- her members kept the nomination a secret from her until the moment her name was called! “I was truly shocked when they announced my nomination and thought there was no way I would win it! So again, very, very shocked when they called my name. The best part though was seeing how excited the kids were about it. They pulled one over on me and they did a great job at keeping that secret from me. As far as what I will do in that position. I'm honestly not sure yet. I know I do go to the state meeting and will be recognized there and given a plaque.” Her MS STUCO was named second vice president at the meeting.

At the beginning of the year, as Candace is not a teacher, she was nervous that the administration wouldn’t let her sponsor MS STUCO. “I told them that I would take it if they would let me, and here we are! I just love to help in any way I can. Right now, we have our blanket sales going on. We are selling them for $25 and they come in right before Christmas!” See her in the office for blanket orders!

Mrs. Ellensohn does a lot more than just advise MS STUCO, though. She’s also our WNHS secretary. “Mostly I have to make sure that Mr. Mefferd and Mr. Hughes remember to do what they are supposed to do. That is a full-time job in itself! I answer the phones, add lunch money to your accounts, and keep track of all the attendance (student and staff). I make sure that the supply room is fully stocked and order things for the teachers. Really my job is making sure that everyone is taken care of on a daily basis.” This is her second year in this position. In regards to the amount of change from last year to this year, Candace feels like she changes things daily. “I try to make my job and everyone else's job a little easier. So whatever I need to change to make that happen, I will do. I think all my redecorating is done though!” If you’ve stopped by the office lately, you’ll see it’s revamped!

Candace is also mother to Kaylin (Junior) and Aiden (8th Grade). “If I'm not at work, I'm usually with my girls at their sporting events. So I'm always at one school or another.”

All in all, Candace does a great job in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Congrats on your big win Candace!