The 17-year-old year 13 pupil won the Central Otago TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award this week for her contribution to her school and the wider community.
She says her plans for next year change from week to week.
"What I'd really like to do is be a Power Ranger [characters in an American children's television series] and save the world, but if I can't be a Power Ranger, then I might look at studying law, maybe."
Described by college principal Mason Stretch as an "enthusiastic, dedicated and compassionate young woman with a strong sense of community," Ella is involved in a wide range of school and community projects. She organised the school's 40-hour famine contribution, is on the board of trustees and is a prefect. Outside of school, she contributes to the wider community through her involvement in a church youth group and as a volunteer at the Salvation Army shop.
"In all these areas of service, Ella's genuine concern for others shines through," Mr Stretch said.
Ella said she was shocked by her win and played down her contribution to the community. "I just get involved in things I'm passionate about."
She already has her bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.
She represented Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean at the youth parliament last year and was asked to be a youth adviser for the Ministry of Youth Development.
The youth spirit award was run by TrustPower and the Central Otago District Council and secondary schools were asked to nominate a year 13 pupil.
The other two finalists were Kate Mulvihill, of Dunstan High School, and Sarah Davidson, of Roxburgh Area School.
