Ellie Foos

About

Ellie Foos is a driven and accomplished student at the University of Kansas, where she is enrolled in the Honors Program and the prestigious LEAD (Legal Education Accelerated Degree) program. Through this accelerated track, she is earning both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years. Ellie also minors in Spanish and in Intelligence and National Security Studies, reflecting her commitment to serving diverse communities and addressing complex societal issues.

A proud Kansan, Ellie graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2025 as the only student to complete the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, demonstrating early her dedication to academic excellence. She is also a nationally recognized artist, having received a Scholastic Art Awards National Silver Medal and a Gold Key for her sculpture "Temporal Chords," highlighting her ability to blend creativity with purpose.

Ellie has been a featured speaker at local, state, and national events, sharing her passion for youth and community empowerment. She has addressed audiences ranging from small civic groups to crowds of thousands, advocating for meaningful change and inclusive leadership. She currently volunteers with Rise Up Reno and serves on several boards and councils focused on youth development and public policy across Kansas.

In addition to her academic and advocacy work, Ellie is a two-time state tennis qualifier and a lifelong product of Kansas public schools. Her interdisciplinary background in law, language, and national security uniquely positions her to make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

Awards and Boards

• Hutchinson High School Valedictorian, 7.46 GPA
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
• Kansas Governor’s Scholar
• Kansas Girls State Tennis Tournament Qualifier, Junior and Senior Years
• Former Member: Youth Philanthropy Council, Youth Advisory Board at Hutchinson Public Library, City of Hutchinson Youth Council, Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council (KYPAC)
• Member, Youth Subcommittee of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
• Scholastic Art Awards: National Silver Medal and Gold Key
• Community Impact Award, Soroptimist International of Hutchinson, KS
• Davis Award
• Youth Leaders in Kansas Circle of Excellence Award
• Kansas Prevention Young Leader Award

Organizations

• Rise Up Reno
• American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
• Hutchinson Community Foundation
• James A and Juliet L Davis Foundation
• Kansas Prevention Collaborative
• Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council (KYPAC)
• LEAD Program at University of Kansas
• Reno County Youth Philanthropy Council
• Soroptimist International of Hutchinson
• Stella & Ray Dillon Foundation
• University of Kansas Honors Program
• Youth Advisory Board at Hutchinson Public Library
• Youth Leaders in Kansas (Y-Link)

Gallery

Photos showcasing Ellie's journey and achievements.

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In the News

Recent coverage of Ellie's accomplishments and advocacy work.

• Kansas Prevention Young Leader Award Winner
  October 16, 2025 - Kansas Prevention Collaborative
  Ellie Foos was selected as the 2025 Kansas Prevention Young Leader Award winner for her outstanding contributions to youth advocacy and prevention initiatives.
• KWCH Top of the Class 2025: Ellie Foos
  May 26, 2025 - KWCH
  Ellie is celebrated as Top Class 2025 for her academic excellence, including a Scholastic Art National Silver Medal, Governor's Scholar recognition, and Soroptimist Community Impact Award, alongside leadership in Rise Up Reno and two-time state tennis qualification.
• HHS Senior Completes Full IB Diploma Program
  May 19, 2025 - Hutch Post
  Ellie recognized as the only student at Hutchinson High School to complete the rigorous IB program.
• Reno County Youth Award $5,000 in Grants
  April 4, 2025 - Hutch Post
  Ellie Foos, a member of Hutchinson Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Council, awarded $5,000 in grants to nine organizations at a ceremony in March at the Hutchinson Art Center.
• Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day at Statehouse Encourages All to Speak Out
  March 13, 2025 - WIBW News
  Ellie Foos, a member of Y-Link, participated in the rally at the Kansas Statehouse, advocating for mental health funding and youth support. She emphasized, “ Providing the tools to students when they’re younger is the most impactful as they can use them when they’re older and can continue to grow those tools.”

Contact

For speaking opportunities, board memberships, or networking, please reach out:

Email: foos.elliejo@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Ellie Foos

I’m eager to connect on Kansas-based youth advocacy, community service, and legal education initiatives.