The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

by Christy Kienast, The Quill

Meet your neighbor Ellen Olivia Gambrell, a senior at Illini West High School.

Ellen was born in Macomb, and lived in Carthage for all 17 years of her life.

She works at Hardee's Restaurant in 123 S. Madison in Carthage during the summer.

Her parents are Rick and Pam Gambrell. "My dad works as a judge and my mom formerly was a school teacher.

She has 3 older sisters, and one younger brother.

Her oldest sister, Emily, lives in Bloomington.

The next oldest, Katie, lives in the Twin Cities.

Maria attends Central College in Pella, Iowa.

"My little pest of a brother is a freshman at Illini West," she laughs.

About my grandparents, Ellen says, "My dad's mom lives in Carthage just a few blocks from our house. My dad's dad and stepmom live in North Carolina and we visit them every summer.

My mom's mom lives in Sullivan.

Painting is one of Ellen's passions along with drawing. She enjoys reading a good book and her favorite movie is either "Batman: Dark Knight" or "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."

Ellen is on the cross country team at school, she says, "with the craziest bunch of hooligans to grace this planet," and she is involved in numerous clubs and organizations at Illini West.

She is co-president of the International Club and Secretary of Key Club.

Ellen also is involved in the Illini West Band, Art Club and Git "R Done Club, and she is the manager of the boys basketball team. "Holla!"

"I felt totally honored to be voted Homecoming Queen this year.

"After I graduate, my biffle for liffle, Hayley, and I are planning to study abroad with a foreign exchange program called Rotary.

"After that, I intend on going to a 4 year college that has yet to be determined, and then I would like to join the Peace Corps."