YATESVILLE — Ellie Bartoli started her Pittston Area career in the second grade. Ten years later, she achieved one of the school’s biggest honors.
Ellie, 18 and a Pittston Area senior, was crowned the 2016 Homecoming Queen on Friday, Sept. 16 at Charley Trippi Stadium. Also on the court were Taryn Ashby, Julia Parrick, Haley Farrell and Mia Barbieri. Bartoli was crowned by last year’s queen Paige Danko.
Ellie, who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, was announced as the winner at a pep rally earlier in the day.
When she was crowned the entire Pittston Area student section, along with everyone else in attendance, stood to their feet and celebrated.
“I’m thankful for this,” she said while giving her speech.
Ellie is the daughter of Arlene Bartoli and Frank Bartoli.
“I can’t say enough about Pittston Area,” Arlene said. “The fact that her classmates nominated her is overwhelming. It’s a testament classmates and her community.”
She is also the student manager for the Pittston Area girls basketball team.
“Coach (Kathy) Healey and the players have embraced her and they’ve made her a part of the student body seemlessly,” the mother said. “She just loves it.”
Once Ellie graduates, her plans are to head to Luzerne County Community College. She’s worked in the office at Pittston Area for the past three summers, and would like to work in an office setting in the future. She’s also worked at a pet grooming facility, her mom said.
She loves photography, and hopes to take classes in the future.
“She’s funny and has a great sense of humor,” Arlene said. “(Pittston Area) makes her a part of everything. She loves being like everyone else and wants to do what they are doing.”
