If you ask Ella Douglas where she feels most at home, she won’t hesitate: the farm. She grew up surrounded by cattle, hay fields, and hands-on learning, raised by parents who work as veterinarians. But while many of her peers plan to continue the farming legacy through traditional means, Ella has set her sights on a different way to protect the land, the industry, and the people who depend on it—through agricultural law.

At Salem Community High School, she’s already laying the foundation for that future.

From Farm to Courtroom: A New Kind of Advocacy

Agricultural law isn’t a career path you stumble into—it’s one you choose with purpose. And for Ella, that purpose is crystal clear.

"I want to protect the land that God has given us through production agriculture," she says. "We don’t want contaminated water. We don’t want urbanization creeping into farmland. I want to work to preserve what makes rural communities thrive."

She speaks about water rights, sustainable agriculture, and food security like a seasoned advocate—because in many ways, she already is. Through FFA, 4-H, and hands-on experience on her family farm, she’s been preparing for this work her entire life.

A Late Start, But a Fast Climb

Ella is an academic powerhouse, but her biliteracy journey started later than most. She didn’t take Spanish in her freshman year, unaware at the time just how valuable it would be. But by sophomore year, she was hooked.

By senior year? She doubled up, taking Spanish 3 and Spanish 4 simultaneously.

"I wanted the full opportunity," she explains. "I knew how much it could open doors for me."

And it already has. As she prepares to attend the University of Illinois, she plans to minor in Spanish, knowing that language will be key in serving diverse communities within the agricultural industry.

But her Spanish journey hasn’t been confined to the classroom. This year, she’s taken on a new role—helping Mareli, a student from Mexico, navigate life at Salem Community High School.

"She didn’t speak any English when she arrived, so we’ve been using translation apps, side-by-side learning, whatever works," Ella says. "It’s helped her adjust, but honestly, she’s helped me just as much."

Balancing Science, Law, and Leadership

Ella isn’t just well-rounded—she’s deeply invested in everything she does. Her academic record includes dual credit science courses, honors math, and a rare opportunity to job shadow Fifth Appellate Court Judge Mike McHaney.

"That experience really solidified my interest in law," she says. "It showed me how much legal decisions impact everyday life, including agriculture."

And, of course, there’s FFA, where she serves as president.

"FFA isn’t just about farming—it’s about leadership," she explains. "It’s about learning how to advocate, how to problem-solve, how to bring people together."

Looking Ahead: Big Goals, Small-Town Heart

Ella’s vision for the future is both global and local. She’s open to studying abroad and interning across the U.S., but ultimately, her heart is in Southern Illinois.

"This is home," she says. "I want to take what I learn and bring it back here, to a rural community like this one."

She’s on track to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, graduate with an academic resume that speaks for itself, and soon, she’ll walk across the stage at Salem Community High School, ready to take the next step.

And in ten years?

"I’ll be back for my reunion, hopefully with my law degree," she says. "And I’ll remember most the people—the teachers, the administration, the students—who gave me the resources and encouragement to chase my passion."