Elliana Kim
South Region
Chapter 667 – Sunny Hills High School
Adviser Hera Kwon
Elliana Kim is a student at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton. In CSF she has been involved in a recycling project and Project Teddy Bear. Besides CSF, Elliana is a member of the Key Club, the National Honor Society, and the Conservatory of Fine Arts. She also started the Recognize Accept Dance Club, and is its current president.
In her community Elliana has volunteered for Reimagine Orange County, the New Life Presbyterian Church youth group leadership, and the Always Dancing Project, offering free on-line dance classes to people with developmental disabilities. As a dancer, Elliana participated in Backhaus, a modern dance and ballet camp, as well as the Fullerton College Dance Workshop where she learned jazz, jazz-funk, contemporary, African, and Latin dances. Currently Elliana is an intern with Dr. Kit No at Biola University. She has received many awards and recognitions, including being featured on ABC7 So Cal Strong and KNX1070 for being a person who creates a better community by going above and beyond to help others in need.
Elliana’s CSF adviser, Hera Kwon, describes her as “…a gifted student and natural teacher” and “a remarkable young woman” who has “…cultivated her immense passion for dance to impact the world around her in unique and creative ways.”
Sofia Martinez, the Chief of Children’s Programs & North County Operations at the non-profit organization Reimagine wrote in her letter of recommendation that “Elliana has a special spirit and is not like other teens her age.” Ms. Martinez states that upon seeing Elliana teach young people to dance, she was impressed with her creativity to incorporate her love of dance and children with special needs. Ms. Martinez goes on to say “Elliana is motivated, driven, resilient, and tenacious in all she does.”
In her personal statement Elliana expresses how dance is her way of coping with stress, providing a therapeutic escape from the bustles of life, helping her focus on what is most important in her life: strengthening relationships with others. Overall Elliana explains that helping others learn to dance has helped her grow and become an advocating voice.
Elliana has not yet decided on what university she will attend, but plans to major in Sociology.
