By Will Whaley

The Selma Times-Journal

Messia Ellis is focused on her goals.

As a sophomore, the 14-year-old is making the transition from Marion Academy to the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery to continue pursuing her dreams of becoming an author.

She has been accepted into the creative writing program there, and also will continue her violin and piano lessons.

Ellis said she has been taking piano lessons since she was 6 years old.

Her audition for the creative writing program included writing an essay, and reading an essay and being able to describe what the essay was about.

Ellis’ essay was about playing piano.

“Most people my age don’t care about academics,” she said. “They are playing video games or are on their phone. I don’t have a cell phone.

“The great people we have in the world are here because of hard work they did,” Ellis said. “They did something they wanted to do. They listened to their heart and not what others said.”

Ellis said one of her major influences is Oprah.

Ellis said she hopes to be able to attend an Ivy League School, and has already been receiving information about schools.

Her academic goals are backed up by her 4.2 GPA, being a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, volunteering at the Selma-Dallas County Library for three years, the clerk of the Selma Youth City Council and a continuing member of the Girl Scouts.

“I want extracurricular activities,” said Ellis. “I’m not really good with sports, and I just wanted to do something extra. It looks better on our college application, and I want to go to a higher college.”

I’m just very humbled and grateful to have a daughter like her,” said Sabrina Ellis, Messia’s mother. “Most people her age do not know what they want and she knows what she wants, and I thank God that He is leading her down the right path. I’m very grateful. All the glory belongs to God. I taught her to pursue her dreams, keep her faith and to remember the golden rule.”