Taking center stage with Ella Champagne
Creating music; Champagne finds love in band, singing and fine arts
As she was growing up, Ella Champagne was always encouraged to do what makes her happy.
Through her career at Fort Dodge Senior High School, the Dodger senior has packed her schedule full of activities.
“Growing up my parents always encouraged me to do what intrigues me and what I want to do,” Champagne said. “They have neve made me feel like I can’t handle it all and they encouraged me to try my best while never forcing me to be great, it makes everything much more enjoyable.”
While at FDSH Champagne has been involved in marching band, jazz band, choir, musical, fall play, speech, Social Justice Council, DAT, Mejor Juntos and Praise Team.
Currently Champagne is involved in the All-American Fort Dodge Marching Band, with the fall play just around the corner.
“I love marching band because I love being underneath the Friday night lights and giving some entertainment to those interested in school spirit,” said Champagne, who is the frontline section leader. “I love the friendships I have made along the way. The community of those in the band is extraordinary, you can’t find it anywhere else.
“It’s been a learning experience (being frontline leader) and fun at the same time. I love teaching and I love music, but teaching music is hard for me. However, I have enjoyed it quite a bit.”
Band is a big part of Champagne’s life, but singing is also one of her loves.
“I love singing, it’s the calm in the storm for me,” said Champagne, who is also involved in theater. “I may not be the best, but that’s not what matters to me. What matters is the collaboration with those who also value music.
“Theater is honestly my favorite thing to be in. Everything about it. Speech, musical, play — all of it. It makes me feel like I belong.”
As she enters her senior season, there will be plenty she is going to miss about school.
“Out of all my activities, speech will probably be the one I miss the most,” Champagne said. “Speech is my favorite activity and I love everything about it.”
As things will be missed, there are also opportunities still ahead.
“I honestly am looking forward to graduating,” Champagne said. “I can’t wait to teach, so I am ready to graduate, but also have all of those fun last moments with my friends.”
Champagne had a blueprint to follow through the FDSH halls.
“Watching my sister (Grace Champagne) go through all four years of high school than me following a year later was memorable,” Champagne said. “I went into high school ready, yet scared and my sister has helped me every step of the way.”
In her four years of high school, Champagne has had plenty of friends, family and mentors to lean on.
“Some of my biggest influences have been my sister and some of my closest friends Owen Hamlow, Mina DeJong, Grace Behrens and Manuela Rodriguez,” Champagne said. “Along with Mrs. Ascherl, Mrs Stansfield and of course my parents and grandparents.”
After graduating, Champagne plans on going to the University of Northern Iowa to become a Special Education Teacher and get her ELL Endorsement.
Vacation destination: Sedona, Arizona.
People I would like to have dinner with: SZA, Harry Styles, Jeremy Allen White, Florence Pugh
It would surprise people that I: have had three eye surgeries
Performer that inspires me: Reese Pederson and Mina DeJong
My everyday role model: Manuela Rodriguez
I can’t go a day without: my parents
Where do I see myself in 10 years?
being a special educator and directing musicals in Minnesota
What are you listening to right now?
Unbreak my Heart by Toni Braxton
Dream piece: Stevie Wonder for Band and Into The Woods for Musical.
A show you binge watch: Psych
Favorites…
Musical: Sound of Music
Performance: The FDSH 2019 Musical, Big Fish
Music genre: R&B and Musical Theater
Song: “F2F” by SZA.
Instrument: Piano
Class: Psychology
Movie: The Proposal
Book: Blended
Phone App.: Tiktok