USNA Volunteer Spotlight: Ellie Fulton
Get to know an Evening Class Co-Chair through a question-and-answer session with USNA Volunteer Coordinator Helen Jahangir.
Q: Names of children that are at USN and include grades.
A: Emmett '24 and Isaac '26
Q: How many years have you been involved at USN?
A: This is the third school year in which I have had at least one child at USN, and I have volunteered the majority of that time.
Q: How are you/have you been involved at USN?
A: In early 2021, I was part of a group of USN parents who participated in the "Showing Up & Standing Up" series offered by Pollyanna Inc., which was designed to explore white racial identity and how we can forward the work of racial justice together. In the fall of 2021, I was the step-up chair for the New to USN High School Parent Coffee and then became chair of the 2021 Evening Classes program. In August of 2022, I was lucky enough that Felicia Bass joined me as co-chair for the HS Coffee event and Sarah Kaufman volunteered to be the step-up chair. Both of these fantastic women then agreed to be co-chairs of the 2022 Evening Classes program and it has been a real treat to work closely with both of them.
Q: Why do you do it?
A: Volunteering at USN has helped me feel more connected to the school, allowed me to lead events that are important to me, and has served as the catalyst for some wonderful friendships that I have made.
Q: Would you do it again? Why?
A: Absolutely. Because it is fun and I keep getting asked to help.
Q: Words of wisdom? Piece of advice?
A: My advice is mostly for new parents who join the USN community when their children are in High School. Because of the appropriate and necessary focus in High School on students developing independence, parents are out of the loop on a lot of how the school functions and how the community nurtures each student. Volunteering at the school gives me an up-close look at all that goes on that my boys don't tell me about.
Q: What would you like to see change? Stay the same?
A: It can feel intimidating to volunteer at first, especially as a new parent, because it seems like there is so much institutional knowledge that everyone else has and that you will never catch up in that regard. I think USN should continue to reach out to new parents to ask for help and perhaps emphasize that new ideas and energy are equally as vital to the functioning of our school. That's how I got involved. I was personally asked to do so. And it felt good.
Q: What do you love most about USN?
A: The commitment that the school makes, every day, to finding a way to help each student grow educationally, emotionally, and communally.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.