Columbia High School Senior Recognized At Youth Awards

Cha’Nel Tyler Ellis does it all. She plays violin, is an active member of Columbia High's Minority Achievement Committee and has thrown shot put, javelin and discus for the school's track and field team for the last three years.

The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders at it's 11th Annual Essex County Celebrates Youth event recognized Ellis' outstanding achievements April 23 among eight others.

The event takes place to recognize and encourage youth doing exemplary work in their communities to keep up their contributions to the county.

Ellis, a Maplewood resident, began dancing when she was 3 and has performed in high notoriety locations throughout the years, including New York City. She is a competitive dancer at  LaChaney’s Dance and Music Academy and is captain of its Performing Arts Company.

She plans to major in forensic science at the University of New Haven in the fall.

“There’s nothing better than seeing young people doing great things, and to watch them succeed," said Freeholder Gerald Owens. “. . .I am delighted to honor one of those young people tonight.  Her name is Cha’Nel Tyler Ellis, and I am delighted to present you with this commendation for all that you have and will accomplish.”