Ellen grew up in Hedgesville, WV and attended Hedgesville High School. She decided to attend WVU because she received the Promise Scholarship, and my boyfriend, Justin Arndt, decided to play college football here. She applied to other schools like James Madison University, Liberty, and a few others, but West Virginia University was her number one choice from the start. While talking to her she said, “West Virginia University has helped shape I into the woman I am today. I wanted to feel apart of something, so I chose Greek life. I joined Kappa Kappa Gamma in Fall 2012. Since then, I have immersed myself in Greek life and philanthropic events. My three proudest accomplishments are being President of my sorority for two years now, being the Vice President of the Panhellenic Council, and ultimately, being awarded Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year last year during the roughest time West Virginia University Greek life has ever encountered. Since being President, my chapter and I have been able to form relationships with Coach Huggins to sponsor the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment Fund and become involved in helping the Bartlett House. I have been able to represent Greek life as a whole but that does not represent West Virginia University as a whole. I want to represent the university and be a role model and a leader for the campus.”
Q: What made you want to run for Homecoming King or Queen?
Winning Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year last spring gave me the opportunity to represent West Virginia University Greek life, but West Virginia University is more than just Greek life. I want to be able to represent the 30,000 students that attend WVU. We are more than just a party school. We are Mountaineers, and we go first. We should be going first in academics, community service, leadership, and so much more.
Q: Why do you think you would be a good King or Queen and why do you deserve this title?
Homecoming Queen is not just a sash across your dress at halftime and a crown on your head, it is a chance to lead and be a role model. I have gained experience at being a leader through taking leadership positions and attending conferences West Virginia University and Greek life has provided for me. Being a role model for WVU is more than just saying it, you must exemplify those characteristics. The Homecoming Queen must value academics, community service, developing relationships with students and university staff, and so much more. I have been able to do all of those things during my time at WVU so far, and I want to continue those as Homecoming Queen.
Q: What does WVU mean to you?
West Virginia University has given me the best opportunity to grow. I came to WVU as a shy freshman, not knowing where I would find my niche on campus. I found my niche in the Greek community, but I understand people find their niches elsewhere on campus too, whether it be on a sports team/club, at the CAC, in the Young Republicans/Democrats, in the English club, or different service activity organizations and that is why WVU is an amazing university. You can find your niche in any club or organization and that allows you to feel apart of something, which makes WVU feel like home. West Virginia University has allowed me to grow as a woman and a leader, but without finding my niche that would have never happened.
Q: What are your connections to the state of West Virginia?
I have been born and raised in Hedgesville, West Virginia. I had my first job at a public pool in Martinsburg, WV, where I was able to learn responsibility and reliability. I’ve gotten to watch my brother, Carter, and my boyfriend bring home four state championships for football to Martinsburg High School. I was able to hear my cousin’s experiences and successes when they came home for their breaks from WVU. My cousin, Shelby, was in the top 5 for Teacher of the Year for West Virginia. My grandfather, Jim Seibert and his family, have owned a successful orchard company in Martinsburg, WV since 1933. My family and I have deep connections to the state of West Virginia, and I only hope to live up to all that they have already accomplished.
Q: If you had one message for the students of WVU, what would that message be?
Break the stereotype for West Virginia University. Be the change you would like to see on campus. Find your niche and allow yourself to grow as a person and a leader. You will be amazed at the opportunities that present themself to you, if you allow it.