Student Activists: Elana Perriott

 

“Activism has provided me with a better insight into the lives of those I’ve encountered. Through conversations with individuals of different backgrounds, I’ve gained an understanding of their cultural experiences,” says Elana Perriott, a senior at St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

In Spring 2018, Perriott became the President of Human Dignity and Diversity in Action Club and earned her Diversity Trainer Certification. With this certification, Perriott has conducted dozens of diversity trainings for students and faculty at Dominican. 

She was also the Vice President of the Multicultural Club during her sophomore and junior years. In addition, for Fall 2018 through Spring 2020 she served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Craft Club.

Starting in the eighth grade, Perriott was a member of Dominican’s Student Ambassadors and worked several recruitment events throughout the years. This past school year, Perriott started a Senior Book Club, which is only open to graduating seniors. 

Computers and technology have always interested Perriott, and she was excited to join Dominican’s Robotics Team her Freshman year. She is now the Program Officer of Dominican’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team, Ultraviolets 9637.

Her team has earned first place trophies in each of Louisiana’s Robotics Championships 2017-2021. Her interest in STEM at a young age has led her to join the Society of Women Advisors in Technology (SWAT) club, which gives hands-on experience in 3D printing and laser cutting.

“My most rewarding volunteer experiences are when my Robotics Team volunteers with young girls and encourages them to pursue STEM activities,” says Perriott. “While I don’t believe every girl who I work with will go on to be a future scientist or engineer, the idea that I’ve shined a light on one girl’s future makes me proud.”

Outside of school, she’s the youngest member of her local church council, Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, where she represents the youth’s voice while planning community initiatives and events.

Perriott is attending Xavier University in New Orleans this fall, where she plans to major in computer science. Her dream job would be working as a computer programmer at Disney alongside the Imagineers. She hopes to develop new rides and animatronics.

In the future, she plans to continue working with youth in diversity and activism.

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