The name might not be recognisable, but Netherhall School’s head girl’s voice will be familiar to anyone who has ever attended the Maryport Christmas lights festival.

Ellie Rowley, 17, has been part of the junior and senior sections of the Maryport Operatic and Dramatic Society since she was seven years old and music and theatre are her first loves.

She has enjoyed several major roles in local productions and is applying for drama schools for when she leaves Netherhall at the end of this year.

Not getting in would be a disappointment but not the end of her dreams because this teenager has more strings to her bow than that.

If she doesn’t get into drama school she would like to be a PE teacher and, if not, a project manager in IT.

These are three very different dreams but Ellie’s outlook on life is so mature for one so young.

She started singing at the Christmas lights with MAODS and was then asked by Maryport town clerk Lisa Douglas if she would do solo slots. She has been singing on the festival stage for at least three or four years treating the crowds to songs from the musicals, Disney classics and karaoke favourites.

It is unpaid but just a way, she says of giving back to her community.

She gives back to her school, too.

“As head girl you want to promote the school however you can. I have been to schools such as Beacon Hill, telling them what Netherhall has to offer.

“I have attended several open nights and, of course, represented the school at the annual Remembrance Service.”

She said she also hopes that she has been someone other students have felt they could come to if they needed help or advice.

When Ellie is not at school she can be found on regular runs or at the gym.

She has also helped her brother’s football team with exercise routines and, when needed, has helped coach some of the young singers at amateur dramatics.

This is Ellie’s last year at school.

With her drive, it would seem the whole world is waiting for her, not matter what direction she eventually takes.