Meet the new staff - Deaver, Ellidge, and Shipp

The following are interviews done with our new staff my members of the journalism class.


Kilah Deaver

Kilah Deaver returned to Elwood this year as our new guidance counselor. She says she is excited to be back at Elwood School. “My favorite thing about Elwood is the people. I know that’s a cliche answer but coming back to Elwood for the guidance counselor position has felt like coming home. This is a very special place!” Deaver went on to explain what she loves about her job: “My favorite part of my job is helping students figure out what’s next for them and seeing the light in their eyes when they talk about things they’re passionate about.”

Deaver grew up in Cambridge, where she participated in cross country, track, student Council, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one act play, musical, and band. Her hobbies include playing piano, hand lettering, and playing with her nieces and nephew. 

Deaver’s advice for high school students is “To learn organizational skills now and figure out what works best for you. Learn how to stay on top of deadlines and be someone who, when you say you’re going to do something, you follow through. These are skills that will be so beneficial beyond high school.” 

We are excited to welcome Ms. Deaver back and I know that us students are just as excited to work with Ms. Deaver as she is to work with us!

By Matteya Gutierrez

-----------------------------------

Justin Elledge

Justin Elledge is the new head custodian at Elwood Public Schools. The number one thing he is looking forward to is getting rid of COVID-19. When asked what it is like starting a new school year Elledge answered, “It is different and stressful.” 

Elledge encourages students to go out for extracurricular activities. The extra curricular activities he participated in during high school were football, basketball, and track. When asked about his favorite memory from high school, Eledge responded, “My favorite memory was definitely graduation!” 

A little bit more about Elledge is that he grew up in Dorchester. He also mentioned that he has two dogs and a cat. His favorite hobbies are fishing, hunting, and boating. 

By Treyton Evans

-------------------------------------

Teresa Shipp

Teresa Shipp is our new elementary resource teacher. Shipp says she is looking forward to working with students and helping them learn and grow. She previously worked for ESU #11 as a Resource Language Teacher and served students at Elwood, but she wanted to get back into the resource room as a teacher. She says she enjoyed working with the staff and students at Elwood and thought it would be a great opportunity to make a change. 

Shipp grew up in the small town of Utica, Kansas. She attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas to pursue her dream as a teacher. Her favorite high school experience was participating and competing in athletics. In her free time, Shipp enjoys spending time with family and following their activities. She also likes to ride her bike and jet 

ski. ”My advice for any students is to always work hard and do your best,” Shipp commented. “I’m also very happy that we are able to be back in the school building!”


By Ashley Quintana