From Shalimar, Florida, EllaGrace Clinger is a standout senior at Niceville High School. Her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service have made her a role model for her peers and a source of pride for the Take Stock in Children community.
Graduating with a 3.88 GPA, EllaGrace has successfully balanced a demanding schedule of Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses—all while earning her AA degree before completing high school. She is on her way to the University of Florida, where she plans to pursue a degree in Biology on a pre-med track, with her sights set on a career in medicine.
A Voice for Change and a Champion for Others
EllaGrace is more than a high-achieving student, she’s a leader with purpose. She has dedicated much of her high school career to bullying prevention and mental wellness advocacy. As President of Hope Squad and a founding member of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center Teen Advisory Board, EllaGrace has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote kindness, resilience, and emotional wellbeing in her school and beyond.
Through the Be a Friend Project, she has helped implement bullying prevention programs across Okaloosa County, led community events, and even spoken on Channel 3 News to raise awareness about youth mental wellbeing. Her efforts earned her the Unity Award and Super Ambassador recognition for her unwavering commitment to making others feel seen, heard, and supported.
Academic Excellence Meets Heartfelt Service
EllaGrace’s honors and accomplishments include the Anne T. Mitchell Award (2022–2025), AP Scholar with Honor, and induction into the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame. She’s a member of numerous honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor Society, and has served in leadership roles across several student organizations—from Scrubs Club to the Science National Honor Society.
Beyond academics, she shines as a national champion cheerleader at Niceville High School and as captain of the Northwest Florida State College cheerleading team. She also coaches young athletes at Destination Athletics, sharing her skills and passion with the next generation.
Giving Back and Building Community
EllaGrace’s service résumé is equally impressive. She volunteers as a certified academic coach, assists in local literacy initiatives, participates in the Great American Cleanup, and even helps transcribe historical documents for the Library of Congress. Whether designing for the Key Club, organizing Hope for the Holidays, or supporting young learners through Kids on Campus, EllaGrace shows energy and heart.
Through Take Stock, she’s embraced every opportunity to grow. “Take Stock in Children, to me, is an opportunity to prove the odds wrong,” she reflects. “I don’t let the statistics define me—I’ve created who I wanted to be.”
A Leaders 4 Life Fellow with an Unwritten Future
Named one of Take Stock’s 2025 Leaders 4 Life Fellows, EllaGrace has demonstrated strength, compassion, and leadership that defines the very best of our students. She credits her Take Stock mentor for helping her learn one of life’s most important lessons: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That perspective has helped her balance striving for excellence and appreciating the journey.
When asked where she sees herself in 20 years, EllaGrace answers with thoughtfulness and optimism:
“I think there’s beauty in the unknown. I know I am capable of amazing things, and that there are no limits to my potential.”
EllaGrace Clinger is not only a leader in her school but also a light in her community and a reminder that the future is indeed bright, especially when it’s guided by empathy, determination, and purpose.
