Elise Kohli is the type of person you only meet once in a lifetime. Creative, authentic, and outgoing, Elise is a problem-solver in every way. 

Friends and family describe her as someone who blends creativity with clarity; someone who not only understands problems, but approaches them with a perspective that is entirely her own.

“Elise is really good at figuring things out … she just sees things more clearly than I do, and she has creative ways to solve things,” says her twin, Laura. “I just feel like she’s my better half. She has her life figured out in a way where she knows that she doesn’t know everything, and she’s always trying to get more from life.”

In addition to her innovative personality, Elise is a very carefree person. She doesn’t wait for permission or validation; instead, she trusts her instincts and commits fully to whatever she takes on. To those around her, that self-assurance is both striking and inspiring. “She’s just gonna do whatever she wants, and she’s gonna do it really, really well,” says her close friend and fellow senior Isabella Knight. “I love her determination and that she doesn’t really care what other people think [of her].” Elise defines success on her own terms, a mindset that allows her to pursue her passions with both purpose and authenticity. 

Elise has brought forth this confidence and creativity to The Eagle’s Eye for the past three years. Starting as a staff writer, moving up to Arts and Entertainment editor, and now as co-Editor-in-Chief, she has left a lasting mark on the publication. In her current role, Elise oversees the entire editorial process, editing and approving each article before publication. Beyond editing, she has also heavily contributed to the logistics side of the paper, assisting with printing, advertising, and fundraising. Her writing reflects both her intellectual curiosity and her passion for storytelling, with standout pieces such as “20 Years of Community Service,” highlighting Enloe Charity Ball’s partnership with Note in the Pocket, and “Black Women in Literature,” which helped educate students about influential and underrepresented authors. 

Beyond The Eagle’s Eye, Elise has made an equally meaningful impact through the Enloe Literary Organization (ELO), which showcases prose, poetry, and art created by students. As co-Editor-in-Chief, she oversees every piece published in the magazine, coordinates outreach for submissions, and leads fundraising efforts to support the publication. This year, she organized ELO’s first-ever Open Mic Night, bringing together student voices in a new and dynamic way. Held at a local bookstore, the event created a space for creativity, community, and expression—something that reflects Elise’s vision as a leader.

Her passion for the arts extends even further. Through her involvement with the North Carolina Museum of Art, Elise helps lead a team of teens in organizing events designed to make art more accessible to young people. One of the museum’s biggest programs, Teen Night, invites students to experience the museum after hours, featuring live performances from teen bands and interactive art activities. Elise’s role in shaping these events highlights not just her appreciation for art but her ability to build communities around it.

Another excellent quality Elise exhibits is her open-mindedness, which her friends say sets her apart in a meaningful way. “I think my favorite thing about Elise is how good a listener she is,” says her friend Sofie Engell. “You can tell her anything and not feel judged, but actually feel like you’re being listened to.” This attentiveness is intentional and rooted in a genuine care for the people around her. Isabella echoes this sentiment, noting that Elise not only listens but also shows up consistently for others. “Elise is really easygoing and fun to talk to, and she always takes time [out of her day] to sit down and talk to you about anything you need.” Whether it’s through small conversations or deeper moments, Elise makes people feel valued, defining her relationships just as much as her achievements.

Lover of all things poetry and art, Elise has taken this passion forward and has decided to study Comparative Literature and Art History at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Her classmates and friends are endlessly proud of her, and The Eagle’s Eye is certain she will do great things! As a special send-off, her friends have given her memorable advice to take with her as she heads off to college.

From: Isabella

“Keep an open mind and look for opportunities even where you don’t think that there will be.”

From: Sofie

“Make new friends, but don’t forget to text me. Have so much fun and do all the things that you like to do. Let them lead you wherever you end up. But I think you will do that. You don’t need me to tell you that.”

From: Laura

“Stay true to yourself. Don’t feel like you need to change yourself or the way you are, the way you talk, or the way you act for the people around you because you’re the best and there’s no world where you are yourself and you don’t succeed.”

The Eagle’s Eye wishes you the best of luck Elise! Thank you for all the hard work and leadership you have put into our class. Go Blue!