Watch The Video of Ellen receiving the award.

Ellen, before she became a lobbyist, was an elementary school principal in a suburb of Austin. When the elementary school found itself without a principal late last year, she was asked to fill in for the spring semester until the school could find a new principal.

The “Eanespiration Award”, is given to Eanes employees who “have completed an exceptional act or special effort that clearly exceeded his or her job responsibilities”.

In nominating Ellen for the award, one colleague said, “She has given 150% of her time, talent and energy to guide us forward. She has maintained the highest level of integrity and sensitivity in the process, always setting an example for others…”

Another colleague wrote this about Ellen, “In this short time, she has earned overwhelming respect from students, parents and staff.”

Lobbying may look a lot easier than running an elementary school!