Ellie Small is entering her second year at The George Washington University, where she is studying political science on a pre-law track. While a student at Derryfield, Ellie’s interest in public policy and legislation was sparked during her Independent Senior Project (ISP). “My ISP was a formative experience for me as I researched and developed repatriation guides that provided legal and social aid to undocumented immigrants facing deportation in New Hampshire.”
Ellie made a lasting impression on the Derryfield community. “I had the opportunity to lean into various leadership roles while exploring my academic interests in the humanities. I served as All School President, head of the Equity Club, captain of Mock Trial, and captain of the varsity alpine ski team. I also completed over 350 hours of community service and played three sports (field hockey, alpine, lacrosse). I am grateful to have had multiple fantastic women leaders (Carter, Shutz, Stimpson, Boesch) who mentored me and helped me establish my own leadership skills.”
For the past two summers, Ellie has returned to Derryfield as a Philanthropy & Engagement intern, where she has learned how crucial giving is to the health of the School. “I was fortunate to benefit from the impacts of generous gifts from donors while I was a student, and Derryfield continues to support my career as I network with fellow alums and learn from others in my field.” Ellie elected to give back to Derryfield by becoming a Sanborn Society member. The Sanborn Society, named for beloved faculty member Chuck Sanborn, recognizes donors who make recurring monthly contributions to The Derryfield Fund. Donors can choose to make a monthly gift in any amount, and these gifts provide steady and reliable funding for the School.
Ellie chose to designate her gift to equity and belonging (E&B) initiatives at Derryfield. Annual fund gifts that support this initiative provide access to E&B conferences and training for faculty and staff, diversity and inclusion speakers for the school community, as well as support for student clubs such as GLOW (Gay Lesbian or Whatever), BIPOC (Black Indigineous and People of Color), the Multicultural Student Union, and more. “While I was leading Equity Club at DS, we had hopes of creating affinity spaces, conference opportunities, and DEI training, among other things, but the School did not have the funds to support [all of our ideas]. As an alumna, it is important to me that I give what I can to support diversity and justice at Derryfield, while highlighting key student initiatives.
In addition to continuing her education at GWU, Ellie has the honor of working as a legislative intern for NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Capitol Hill. Her hope is to “grow a career in law and policy. I plan to attend law school after undergrad and am considering completing a masters in public policy. I am passionate about human rights, immigration reform, climate initiatives, common-sense gun legislation, and many more social issues.” We wish Ellie the best of luck as she continues her endeavors!