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Ellie Mark
Class of 2020 Talent: Contemporary Vocal
Social Impact: The Campaign to Change Direction Director: Berniece "Bernie" Meyer -Open Next Competition Date: TBA, 2021 Hill Murray High School, Maplewood, Minnesota Hill Murray High School Maplewood, Minnesota |
Elle Mark - a native of Red Wing, Minnesota - graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with Highest Honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health/Community Health Education. Shortly thereafter, Elle took on the role of Program Coordinator for the Winona County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention. In this role, she leads community-wide efforts to prevent youth from misusing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Elle is passionate about promoting prevention in and outside of her professional life. Her social impact initiative - “The Campaign to Change Direction” - allows her to promote prevention as a way to combat the mental health crisis in America. Elle discovered this global non-profit when battling her own mental illness in college. Since then, Elle has raised over $1,100 to support the campaign’s mission and helped to organize a video contest promoting the “5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-Being” in the 7 Rivers region. As a titleholder, Elle visits Boys & Girls Clubs, schools, and businesses to teach the “5 Healthy Habits” in efforts to build resiliency, prevent mental distress, and lower burnout rates in employees. After presenting, Elle encourages all of the audience members to take action by signing the campaign’s pledge to #ChangeMentalHealth and promote the “5 Healthy Habits” in their everyday lives.
Elle has always found comfort in being onstage. From dancing competitively to starring in musicals, she has been in the spotlight since the age of 6 years old. By the time she was a senior in high school, Elle’s private vocal training earned her 4 superior rankings at the Minnesota State High School League’s Solo Ensemble Contest and 2 invitations to participate in the Missota Conference’s Select Choir. Elle also found joy in participating in the Phoenix Theatre’s summer musicals, playing roles such as “Gladys Hotchkiss” in The Pajama Game and “Penny Pingleton” in Hairspray. Elle is eager for the opportunity to serve her beloved home state as Miss Minnesota. Before the state competition in June, Elle has a goal to have 500 people sign the pledge to #ChangeMentalHealth. Be sure to follow her preparations and track her progress on Facebook and Instagram @MissStCroixValleyFestival2020! Local Program Information: Part of "Team Waseca" this year (Jennifer Burt and Molly Kopischke are directors) |
