Hello Mom, Dad, and Ms. Terry. As you all know my name is Ellie Shapiro, and I am in twelfth grade. Outside of school, I participate in a couple of extra curricular activities. Right now I am mainly focusing on cross country. I have been a cross country runner throughout high school so far. Later in the school year I will probably run track again as well. I have recently started to volunteer with an environmental group that focusing on marine animals. I go out once a week to snorkel with them to clean up trash and help and animals that seem to be in danger. I have also joined the eco club at our school this year. My interest in the environment has really sparked from a class that I am taking this semester, ethnobotany and science of the sea. Lots of things have changed this year because of COVID-19, but what is life without some unexpected challenges!