Counselors Erika Ellwanger and Karen Phillips have a special connection with their freshmen daughters

WHAT A FEATURES pair

The apples don’t fall too far from the tree with freshmen Samantha Phillips and Lauren Ellwanger whose moms are counselors at Sion.

BY KAMRYN ROGERS FEATURES EDITOR

hether it’s bad day, a kink in a schedule, or simply needing someone to talk to, students turn to counselors Erika Ellwanger and Karen Phillips. But freshmen Lauren Ellwanger and Samantha Phillips turn to their moms.

The Phillips and Ellwanger mother-daughter duos actually met 10 years ago while playing on the same kindergarten Great American Basketball League team. Coincidentally, their moms also started their first year working at Sion together.

But even though their mothers were colleagues, Samantha and Lauren lost connection after a season of trotting up and down the glossy hardwood courts. It was only after Samantha and Lauren both decided on Sion as their high schools last year that they reconnected. “I’m glad that we reconnected because we have become really good friends,” Samantha said. “It’s nice to always have someone to talk to especially throughout high school.” A flurry of texts messages soon began about their shared interests of softball, their fascination with actor Noah Centineo and the fact that their moms are counselors at their high school. Both Samantha and Lauren said that their moms were a big influence on their decision to come to Sion.

“My mom was a huge factor,” Lauren said. “But I also just knew that Sion was a really great school and after shadowing I was like ‘I definitely want to go here’.”

Ellwanger thought that the school would be a better fit for her daughter and provide more opportunities than public school would. Alumna Phillips on the other hand, was indifferent to where Samantha decided to go to school and told her daughter she would support her regardless of what she picked.

“It was Samantha’s choice,” Phillips said. “She shadowed and had spent a lot of time here and she loved it.”

Samantha and Lauren both admit it’s an adjustment to be so close to their mothers during the school day. There are always eyes that turn towards them when Ellwanger and Phillips occasionally pop-in to their religion classes to give guidance counseling to the freshmen class. Or those awkward encounters with their moms while strolling in the hallways with their newfound friends leaves them flashing a blushing smile. But overall, both Samantha and Lauren are grateful to have their moms at school with them.

“Honestly, I thought it was going to be weird,” Lauren said. “But I kind of love it.”

Phillips and Ellwanger agree that having their daughters at school with them is a learning process. Besides the gratifying carpools to and from school, they don’t see their daughters too much during the day, according to Phillips. But when they do run into their daughters, they’re not always showing the ecstatic reaction that their moms hope for.

“Sometimes we get eyes rolled at us,” Ellwanger said. “But we love having them here.”

Lauren and Samantha are both looking forward to the new opportunities and freedom that high school has to offer. Similarly, their moms are optimistic that they will be open to new experiences. Phillips in particular hopes that Samantha will create many memories while at Sion.

“I hope she loves all the traditions,” Phillips said, “that’s a connection from my high school years to hers.”

Like Mother Like Daughter

Freshman Samantha Phillips and Counsleor Karen Phillips say they have enjoyed their first month at Sion together. (Photo by Kamryn Rogers)

Radiant Royals (far left) Erika Ellwanger and Karen Phillips cheer on the Royals during a game. (Photo submitted by Karen Phillips)

Softball Smiles (left)

Samantha Phillips and Lauren Ellwanger take a selfie after a softball game. (Photo submitted by Lauren Ellwanger)

Two Peas in a Pod

Freshman Lauren Ellwanger and Counselor Erika Ellwanger say they have enjoyed their first month together at Sion. (Photo by Kamryn Rogers)