Natchitoches, LA, February 5, 2024:  The A+ Coalition, an education initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to announce Dinah Ellzey as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Elite Scholars Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Dinah Ellzey, a top-performing senior from Natchitoches Central, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The A+ Coalition's selection committee carefully reviewed numerous submissions and found Dinah's achievements and aspirations to be truly exceptional.

Graduating with a remarkable GPA of 4.0 and an ACT Super Score of 25, Dinah has not only excelled in her academic pursuits but has also actively contributed to various extracurricular activities. She has taken dual enrollment classes at Northwestern State University, including English 1010, 1020, Trigonometry, and Algebra, and is currently enrolled in challenging courses such as Calculus and Industrial Manufacturing Technologies.

Dinah's commitment to community service is evident through her participation in various initiatives, including volunteering at the National FFA convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. She played a crucial role in the National Day of Service, contributing to the improvement of an 1800s farm by digging French drains and participating in tree planting around her high school's parking lot.

In addition to her academic and community achievements, Dinah has been actively involved in FFA, earning accolades such as 1st in State in Marketing Plan (2023), National Semifinalist, 2nd State Meat ID Team (2021-2023), and many more. Her dedication to sports is equally impressive, achieving 2nd place at the High School Nationals USAPL (2023) in powerlifting.

Dinah's future plans include pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering at LSU in Baton Rouge. She aspires to leverage her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on both people and the environment. During the summer, she plans to intern at International Paper in their engineering department to gain valuable first-hand experience.

The Elite Scholars Scholarship, sponsored by BOM Bank, will be presented to Dinah Ellzey at the upcoming Best of Natchitoches Awards luncheon on February 7^th, where her accomplishments and commitment to excellence will be celebrated.

About A+ Coalition: A+ Coalition is an education initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce that works to bring members of the community together to advance education in Natchitoches Parish. The Chamber recognizes the importance of education to the success and growth of our community and understands that the responsibility lies not only on the shoulders of our educators but also on the entire community at large. A+ Coalition aims to offer a platform for organizations and individuals to get involved, stay informed, and give their time and resources to make an impact on education in Natchitoches Parish.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting the community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.

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