The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club has named Chagrin Falls High School senior Eloise Pulte as its September Student of the Month, recognizing her for her exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and outstanding academic excellence.
Leadership Excellence Across Multiple Roles
Pulte has established herself as a dynamic leader throughout her high school career, serving as Senior Class President after holding Vice President roles in both Student Council during high school and middle school. As Co-President of the Chagrin Falls Education Foundation Student Board, she has taken on significant responsibilities, previously serving as chair of the annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser and chair of Philanthropy. Her leadership extends to her role as a Link Crew Leader, Girls Varsity Soccer Captain, an officer of the Engineering Club, copy editor of the Yearbook, and the enthusiastic leader of the student section, known as the "Zookeeper."
"I've developed a leadership style that focuses on building strong connections and relationships, creating a positive atmosphere, and using humor and energy to motivate and include everyone," Pulte explains. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, both for herself and others, noting how she ensures commitment and involvement through organization and consistent effort, even on challenging days.
Academic Achievements Born from Perseverance
Pulte's academic success reflects her dedication to growth through effort and perseverance. Among her proudest achievements is earning the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, a recognition that required her to return to school after summer break to complete assessments. "The process taught me that it's okay to fail at first but to never give up and always keep trying," she reflects.
Her rigorous course load includes AP Government, AP U.S. History, AP Computer Science A, AP Spanish, AP Economics, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, and College Credit Plus Major Modern Writers. Despite finding AP Physics particularly challenging, Pulte credits the course with teaching her to focus on topics conceptually rather than through memorization. Her AP U.S. History and AP Government courses have sparked her interest in the legal field.
Pulte has earned the Outstanding English Award for CC+ Composition 1 and 2, particularly meaningful to her as someone who has always loved English but found writing challenging initially. "In this class I pushed myself, took feedback seriously, and grew as a writer. I found my voice and became more confident in my writing," she says. She maintains High Honor Roll status while striving for all A's and is a member of the Computer Science Honors Society.
Service Rooted in Family Values and Personal Passion
Her commitment to service runs deep, shaped significantly by her parents' example. Pulte tutors children at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, volunteered with Safety Town in 2023 to help prepare incoming kindergarteners, and contributes her time at the Cleveland Kids Book Bank.
The Kids' Book Bank holds special significance for Pulte, an avid reader who credits her love of reading to her parents' enthusiasm. "I have seen first hand the impact books can have on the children I tutor and babysit," she explains. She planned and initiated the first district-wide book drive, which has become an annual service project for the CF Education Foundation Student Board.
"Giving back to the community has shown me the importance of representation and the impact of access to resources," Pulte notes. "This perspective has inspired me to pursue law as a way to promote fairness and create change."
Her parents have been instrumental in shaping her service mindset, from encouraging charity donations from lemonade stand earnings to modeling positivity and support for everyone they meet. "My parents have had a huge impact on my interest in community service and are the most selfless people I know," she says.
Athletic Leadership and Creative Expression
Throughout high school, Pulte has played both soccer and lacrosse, currently serving as captain of the soccer team. "Being an athlete shaped my character and helped my role as a connector of different grade levels," she explains. Sports have taught her the importance of showing up and giving full effort, regardless of circumstances, while also learning to celebrate small victories that build confidence.
Beyond athletics, Pulte expresses her creativity through photojournalism as copy editor of the yearbook, earning honorable mention in the academics category for her photo in the 2024 Jostens National Photo Contest. She enjoys capturing candid photos of peers and teachers from unique perspectives. Music also plays an important role in her life, energizing her during study and exercise while providing connections with others. Her creative thinking extends to brainstorming innovative ideas for clubs and organizations, including homecoming themes and peer engagement strategies.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Pulte plans to pursue Business and explore a Pre-Law track in college, inspired by her roles representing classmates' voices and her childhood babysitter who lived with her family while attending law school. She hopes to attend a college with strong school spirit and academic challenges, planning to remain actively involved as a campus leader. A personal goal includes traveling and studying abroad to learn from global communities and other cultures.
Chagrin Falls High School Principal Amanda Rassi described Pulte as "genuine, kind-hearted, and dedicated," adding, "Eloise exemplifies what it means to be a leader at Chagrin Falls. She sets a positive example for her peers through her work ethic, kindness, and commitment to both academics and service."
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club Student of the Month program highlights local students who excel in leadership, academics, and service while making a positive impact on their school and community.