A solid athlete, valued teammate and an honors student, Montezuma-Cortez High School senior Elana Cope’s star has shown bright during the past four years.
Three-sport athlete Currently competing for the Montezuma-Cortez High School cross-country team, Elana Cope cracked the top 10 for the first time in her high school career at the John Thornton Invitational in Blanding on Oct. 1.
“This season has been going really well,” she said. “I trained over the summer, which has really helped my times.”
Cope also suits up for the M-CHS girls swim team and ranks as one school’s most talented swimmers.
As a sophomore, she placed seventh at regionals in the 500-yard freestyle, and as a junior, she placed eighth at regionals in the 200-yard freestyle. The senior also helped the Panthers break the school record in the 400-freestyle relay last season.
“It was really exciting because we trained hard all season,” Cope said of the team’s record-breaking race. “This season, I would like to swim as fast as I possibly can and finish strong.”
During the past two springs, Cope has also run track for M-CHS and plans to do so again this year. Cope has competed in the 800-meter, 1600-meter, and 3200-meter runs.
“Last season was a good season,” said Cope. “I feel like I really improved as a runner.
Accomplished student
Currently the president of the National Honor Society, Cope has played in the school’s jazz band, been involved with the French and Spanish clubs, and participated in a knowledge bowl.
In the classroom, Cope especially enjoys classes that focus on American government, English and art.
As for her future, the senior said that she will apply to numerous colleges, including Colorado College, the Art Institute of Chicago and her top choice, Rhode Island School of Design.
While Cope has not decided on a career, she state that she’ll most likely pursue a profession that focuses on art.