At Athens Drive, many students have unique talents, but Senior Estella Ciardullo stands out for her love of storytelling, creativity, and dedication to sharing meaningful stories. Through her involvement in school news and her passion for writing, Ciardullo has become a strong and thoughtful voice within the school community.
Film and TV Production teacher Lori Lair explained makes Estella a great student, and why she recommended her to the Athens Oracle.
“It would be easier to answer the question: what doesn’t make Estella a great student? I can’t think of one thing that she could improve on. She tries really hard and genuinely cares about her work,” said Lair.
There are a lot of students who don’t get enough recognition, but they’re a great addition to the talent and great work here at Athens Drive High. Ciardullo is one of those students.
“She always asks for feedback, and when she gets it, she takes that feedback and improves her work. She is a polite and respectful human being. She’s very quiet and flies under the radar. She’s not a student who gets a lot of recognition; she doesn’t go looking for praise. She just quietly excels in her work. Students like her deserve recognition,” said Mrs. Lair.
One of Estella’s most meaningful experiences was a family trip to London. Experiences like these have fueled her curiosity about the world and deepened her appreciation for storytelling.
“I loved the atmosphere and the rich history of the city, and I made many happy memories with my family. said Ciardullo
She is the Co-President of the English National Honors Society. But In the classroom, Ciardullo’s favorite subjects are English and Creative Writing.
“I love these classes because I love to read and write. Reading allows me to step into different worlds and understand people from new perspectives,” said Ciardullo.
Estella also participates in Battle of The Books. Her current favorite book is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, which she enjoys because all of the characters are complex and the plot is very intricate.
Estella’s interests show her creative personality.
She enjoys reading, journaling, scrapbooking, and video editing as ways to express herself. Outside of school, she also works a job and enjoys playing video games, balancing her responsibilities with time for her hobbies.
Organization is important to Estella. Learning how to balance school, work, and personal interests is an important part of her growth and future success.
“I want to improve on my time management skills, especially as I get closer to college,” said Ciardullo.
For Estella, writing is more than a hobby; it’s a passion. She is especially drawn to stories that uplift people who are often overlooked. Through her writing and involvement in school news, she hopes to highlight important stories and help others feel seen and heard.
“I am passionate about writing stories that uplift the voices of people who are silenced by their community,” said Ciardullo.
One of Estella’s biggest challenges was moving from Arizona to North Carolina at the beginning of her freshman year. Although the transition was difficult, the experience helped her become more adaptable.
“It took a while for me to adjust to the new location,” said Ciardullo.
“I care deeply for my family and friends, and my faith,” she shared.
Family, friends, and faith play an important role in Estella’s life and continue to guide her values and goals. With other influences of creativity, compassion, and a deep love for storytelling, Estella Ciardullo continues to make a positive impact on her school community. Her voice is a reminder that stories matter and that every person deserves to be heard.
“There are a lot of students that go unrecognized, but hopefully Estella gets the credit she deserves moving forward,” said Ms. Lair.
