written by Sara Exner Whittaker ’00 photography by Slade Blanchard Cub connections tend to stand the test of time; Jaime Glas (’06) and Ellie Russo (’20) are proof that they are also magnetic. Even with a nearly 15-year split in graduation years, when Jaime and Ellie met, they effortlessly swapped stories of common experiences at U-High and preparing for life beyond its halls. The two Cubs, who are featured in the school’s Launching Legacies 2020 Annual Appeal, credit U-High with preparing them to feel confident in pursuing their dreams. “I loved every experience,” shared Jaime. “U-High itself is a legacy.” Ellie agreed, sharing that she transferred in ninth grade because she was attracted by the school’s reputation and the diversity of experiences offered. She quickly found her place. “I came here knowing one person, and now I can name everyone in my grade. I’m nervous to go to college without them. I don’t see myself not keeping in touch with them.” Jaime affirmed this will likely be the case, and will extend
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cub roar | fall/winter 2019
beyond Ellie’s classmates. “Anytime you meet someone who went to U-High, it’s so exciting, and somewhere, you can find a connection.” Jaime remembers starting college feeling like Ellie does, unsure where her path would take her. As a petroleum engineering student participating in an internship, she was handed a pair of oversized coveralls that were clearly not designed with women in mind. She knew she could do better, remembering, “Businesses are born from a need. I thought, ‘No one else is going to make them. I’ll do it.’” Soon, HauteWork was born. After years of perfecting her model while working throughout the country as a petroleum engineer, Jaime sold HauteWork last summer to National Safety Apparel. She stayed on as head of business development for women’s flame resistant clothing and moved back home to Baton Rouge. She also co-owns New Orleans-based Sparkle City, which custom-designs school and holiday spirit apparel.
