BETHEL — “When someone says ‘Ella,’ we either both respond or neither of us respond,” said Telstar Senior Ella Akers. “As a running joke, we say ‘we need nicknames,'” added her classmate and friend, Ella Hopps.

Telstar seniors, Ella Hopps, of Woodstock, on right, and Ella Akers of Andover. Rose Lincoln/ Bethel Citizen

The two first met while working on a Telstar Freshmen Academy think tank project. Along with three other students, they collaborated on a proposal to address infant and maternal mortality in Papua New Guinea through the development of an oral vaccine. Their shared interest in science and academics in general helped them tackle the project.

Akers is the Class Valedictorian and president of the National Honor Society (NHS), while Hopps serves as the Vice President of NHS and ranks fourth in the class. Both are part of a record 17 Latin Scholars in the Class of 2025.

“We are more academically driven in this class,” said Hopps. Akers agrees, noting that their fellow classmates have clear goals: “Doctor, architect, finance, and lawyer,” she adds.

“We have ambitions,” Akers emphasizes.

Ella Hopps

Hopps, who is from Woodstock, attended The Woodstock School and Telstar Middle School before entering high school. She plans to attend a one-year program at Aveda Cosmetology School in Augusta.

Hopps has served as a class officer for three years of high school, including co-president during her freshman and sophomore years and secretary during her junior year. In addition to NHS, she is co-president of the student council and is a member of the Telstar Civil Rights Club.

An accomplished musician, Hopps plays the clarinet, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, trumpet, flute, ukulele, and piano, and also sings.

Ella Akers

Akers, from a family of Nordic skiers, is the daughter of parents who operate Akers Ski Inc. in Andover, a business started by her grandparents, Leon and Trudy Akers around 65 years ago. She attended Andover Elementary School and the Eddy School before coming to Telstar. She, too, is part of the Telstar Civil Rights Club.

Akers recalls seeing photographs of herself skiing at age 2, though she doesn’t remember those early experiences. She learned to skate ski in seventh grade.

“Working out has helped me stay balanced mentally,” Akers said. “As for Nordic skiing, I had a very good season this year.” She competed for Telstar and placed third at the Mountain Valley Conference championship in February, as well as fifth out of 30 Class C state skiers.

She adds, “Another interesting fact is that the top three scholars are all Nordic skiers.” Gabrielle Thompson is the Salutatorian, Kayan DeGruttola holds third honors, and Akers is the Valedictorian.

Akers hopes to attend Bates College in Lewiston to major in psychology and one day run a marathon.

National Honor Society

At its core, the National Honor Society is a service organization. The two Ellas have worked together on several community-based initiatives. Their first project was the NHS Fall Blood Drive. In November, they organized a Thanksgiving dinner that drew over 100 local senior citizens. The two “tag-teamed,” with Hopps in charge of the kitchen and Akers managing the front of the house.

Twice a week, a group of  as many as eight or nine NHS members, along with other students, head to Crescent Park School to have lunch with fourth and fifth graders. They go year-round, driving their own cars to provide support and guidance. “The idea is to talk with them about transitioning to middle school, since that can be challenging,” Akers explained. “If we can ease any of their anxiety, that’s a bonus. They seem to really like having older kids hanging out with them, too.”

The seniors sit with the fifth graders, while the juniors sit with the fourth graders, helping foster bonds that carry over into the following year.

Next, they are considering organizing a spaghetti dinner and game night for families.

At the end of the year, they will host an informational ice cream social for potential new NHS members. With only three juniors in the group, recruitment is part of the plan.

“It’s a lot; we won’t lie,” said Hopps. “She does a lot, and sometimes I’m just the comedic relief. But it’s rewarding.”

Akers adds, “Especially at the Thanksgiving dinner, when everyone is leaving with smiles and saying thank you – it makes it all worthwhile.”