Howard senior is dynamic, driven young entrepreneur
HOWARD, S.D. – Howard High School senior Ellie Connor defines what it means to be well-rounded and driven. She is a top student who consistently earns a spot on the A-Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her school activities reflect a wide range of interests, from culinary and fine arts to agriculture and athletics.
“Ellie is a very talented, eclectic young woman,” said Howard High School Principal T.A. Aslesen. “She is at the top of the class academically and is very involved in numerous activities. She also runs her own business, owns cattle, teaches Sunday school, and makes her own clothes. We look forward to seeing what her future holds.”
For her exceptional achievements, work ethic and ambition, Connor has been named Student of the Month by Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio.
Connor is a four-year member of Student Council and mentors younger students through Teens as Teachers. She’s also a dedicated member of FCCLA and participated in state Gold STAR events. She achieved a Silver Medal at the National Leadership STAR event in 2025.
As a two-sport student athlete, Connor has earned varsity letters in both volleyball and softball. She is also passionate about the arts and has performed in the school’s all-school and one act plays for four years. She has earned Regional Superior One Act Actor recognition and earned a Superior at State One Act competition with her fellow castmates in 2025.
She has won Superior rankings in state oral interp and solo choir competitions and claimed first place in the South Dakota DANR Resource Conservation Speech Contest earlier this year.
Connor’s hard work extends far beyond the classroom. She is a devoted 4-H member, participating in Performing Arts Troupe, Shooting Sports, Swine Showing, Fashion Revue, Public Presentation, Special Foods, and static exhibits. She also participated in the 4-H Youth in Action program.
As a young entrepreneur, Connor manages her own cattle herd and runs Endearing Confections, her personal baking business. She works part-time at the 6C’s Tastee Treat and gives back to her community by volunteering with Hearts and Hammers, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a lector at her local church.
Connor is the daughter of Matt and Catherine Connor. After graduation, she plans to study business or engineering at a university. She also hopes to travel as much as possible.
The “Student of the Month” is awarded through a partnership of Heartland Energy and KJAM Radio in Madison and recognizes exceptional students in one of five area school districts. Heartland provides wholesale power to the cities of Arlington, Colman, Howard, Madison and Volga, all of which are in the KJAM listening area.
Each month of the school year, Heartland presents an outstanding student from one of these schools with a recognition certificate and small token, and advertisements announcing the winning student air on KJAM Radio. Officials from each participating school nominate students for the award.
