Meet Ella Thomas – Powhatan ACA
Ella Thomas is young, but she has the serious, brow-knitted
focus of an Olympic competitor. Mention chemistry or the University of Virginia and
instantly her serious face lights up with a broad smile and twinkling eyes.
“Chemistry is EVERYTHING,” Ella says, “it’s in everything, it’s all around us.”
As for the University of Virginia, that’s where she has been accepted by early
decision and is headed in the fall.
Ella Thomas is one of 19 students in the first Reynolds
Advance College Academy class at Powhatan High School graduating with her Associates Degree from Reynolds in May, before receiving her high school
diploma from Powhatan High School in June.
These first Powhatan ACA graduates got their start in the
program in 2014 when they were in the 8th grade. The Reynolds ACA programs
give students the opportunity to earn an associates degree in social sciences
while also earning a high school diploma in advanced studies. All 8th grade students
are eligible to apply for the ACA. Once accepted students begin taking honors
and AP level courses during the 9th and 10th grades and dual enrollment
college courses during the 11th and 12th grades, earning a total of 60 college
credits.
While the ACA Powhatan graduates began this process four
years ago with their application to the program, it was clear Ella was a
candidate for such an opportunity by the time she was in 2nd grade. She was
tested and moved in to a “TAG” (Talented and Gifted) program where she was told
about the Reynolds ACA and encouraged to apply once she was eligible. Her early
gifted programs had games and challenges, but Ella said, “I used to breeze
through school.” Then came ACA, and she said, “I really had to do something. I
really had to work hard. I became more independent and disciplined. My parents
didn’t push. They let me do my thing, but they made sure I worked.”
Given her focused mind, Ella’s passion for science,
specifically biochemistry, is understandable. “In science everything is
concrete. There is a single answer to questions, it’s not open to
interpretation.” She shakes her head, “History is not my thing. I like
straightforward answers.” Ella’s passion for biochemistry is also personal. She
would like to research and create new drugs and be involved in the process
of finding cures. She has experienced healthcare first-hand and knows what it
means to need drugs. Ella has cystic fibrosis.
When asked what advice she would give students thinking
about applying for the ACA, without hesitation she says, “It’s not for the weak
of heart. It’s a lot of hard work. But, it’s great. Even if you don’t know what
you’re going to do, it [the program] lets you explore lots of things and figure
out what you like and don’t like. It’s very rewarding to get two years of
college out of the way before the end of high school.” Is she ready for UVA? “I
hope I am,” she says, followed quickly by, “I know I am.”
Reynolds ACA Career Coach at Powhatan High School Rick Cole
reflected on this first Powhatan ACA cohort group, “This has been a terrific
group of students who have truly chosen a road less traveled. They were
willing to take a risk and they have persevered in what is one of the most
challenging programs at their high school. They have been willing to give
up an easier path with the faith that their hard work would pay off as they
transitioned to college. They have done extremely well and they have set a very
high bar for succeeding cohorts. We have learned so much from our ACA
"pioneers" at Powhatan High School. Their questions and
feedback have enabled us to make several small tweaks that have resulted in a
much stronger program for the classes that have followed them”.
Congratulations, Ella! Congratulations, Powhatan ACA
graduates! Job well done. The entire Reynolds community wishes you the very
best.
