S-C Senior Parker Ellison Accepted at Yale University

The opportunity to study astrophysics at an Ivy League college was not the only attribute that interested Smith-Cotton senior Parker Ellison in Yale University. “The pizza there is really good,” Ellison said, smiling.

Ellison was informed last week that he was accepted at Yale, located in New Haven, Conn., and one of the top-rated schools for astrophysics. He participated in the Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics and after experiencing the campus, it became his top choice for college.

“There are going to be a lot of opportunities for me there,” Ellison said.

Ellison has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll the past two years and is the Sedalia 200 district’s John T. Belcher Scholarship recipient. He is captain of Team SCREAM, the Smith-Cotton competitive robotics team, and is a three-year letter winner in that program. He is vice president of the S-C chapter of National Honor Society, secretary of the Community Café Club, a Math Team board member and three-year letter winner, secretary of the Tri-M music honorary society, and a three-time letter winner in band, where he is first chair and captain of the percussion section.

Max Meigel, director of Smith-Cotton bands, said: “Getting to teach fantastic students like (Parker) is part of what makes this job special. We absolutely couldn’t do what we do without student leadership like Parker. His dedication, his hard work, his ability to persevere and pull other students up with him is something that doesn’t come around every day. I think those are the traits that make him special and that’s certainly what has made him a fantastic member of the band.”

Team SCREAM Head Coach Michael Wright said, “Parker Ellison's acceptance to Yale is a testament to his exceptional qualities as a student, leader, and person. I'm thrilled for Parker and his family — what an incredible accomplishment! I have no doubt he'll continue to achieve greatness at Yale and beyond.” Parker’s road to Yale was built through intensive study and support. “I worked really hard over the past four years and it all just kind of built up,” he said, adding that he got a boost from “my teachers and especially my extracurricular advisors, for sure. They have always been there to inspire me and help me along the way.”

Meigel said Ellison’s effort provides a message for students of what is possible for them. “I think it is proof that it is all about the work you are willing to put in,” Meigel said. “There are few students I have met that have worked harder than Parker Ellison, and I think that one of the great things about Sedalia 200 is it provides opportunities and support for students who want to push themselves, who want to go that extra mile, or seven miles, or 1,000 miles all the way to Connecticut.”

In the photos:

GROUP: Parker Ellison, a Smith-Cotton High School senior, has been accepted at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where his plans to study astrophysics. Seated with him at the table are his parents, Jason Ellison and Wendy McGinnis; back row, from left: S-C Principal Wade Norton, Team SCREAM Assistant Coach Mindy Gray, Team SCREAM Head Coach Michael Wright, S-C Bands Director Max Meigel, S-C National Honor Society Advisor Lorin Blackburn Thierfelder, sister Kate Ellison, S-C Bands Assistant Director Drew Fischer, Senior Class Counselor Katie Ellis, Community Café Advisor Corie Hickman, S-C English teacher Michael Kailus, and Sedalia 200 Superintendent Dr. Todd Fraley.

TSRIBBON: Parker Ellison, captain of Team SCREAM, the Smith-Cotton High competitive robotics team, addresses the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the team’s new practice facility in August. Ellison, who has been on Team SCREAM since his freshman year, has been accepted at Yale University, where he plans to study astrophysics. DRUMS: Parker Ellison, right, captain of the Smith-Cotton Bands percussion section, performs with freshman Zane Pfannenstiel during the Homecoming pep assembly.

BELCHERSCHOL: During the Dec. 11 Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education meeting, Smith-Cotton senior Parker Ellison was recognized as this year’s recipient of the district-level John T. Belcher Scholarship. With Ellison are School Board President Diana Nichols, left, and Sedalia School District Foundation President Diedre Esquivel. The Foundation provides the $500 local scholarship.