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Ellen Meeuwsen went to New York two years ago expecting to see a Broadway musical.

What she didn't anticipate was having the opportunity to feel the performance as well.

"It was like what they did on stage was so cool and so impactful for me," Meeuwsen said about being in attendance for "Dear Evan Hansen."

"It made me feel so many different emotions. I thought it would be so cool if I could do that same thing for other people."

Meeuwsen has certainly been able to do that as a staple part of Notre Dame Academy's performing arts programs.

For her efforts, Meeuwsen is the Triton of the Week for the week of Jan. 20.

"Ellen is one of the most reliable, responsible students I have ever had," Choir Teacher Christine Salerno said. "She is always present at her extra-curricular rehearsals, and she's a wonderful vocalist. She's just a great person."

Meeuwsen, a senior, balances a full plate of activities at school, including being a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, Tritones Vocal Jazz Choir, Music Ministry and president of the Drama Club.

The extra-curricular activity she is most passionate about is musical theatre.

Not only is she once again a part of the cast of the school musical this year, but she also took on a leadership role in helping to choreograph some of the scenes for "Matilda The Musical."

"It is something that I've always enjoyed being a part of and is something that I'm really passionate about," Meeuwsen said about the school musical. "It's always a fun experience to see it all come together in the end."

Meeuwsen participates in performing arts classes at Birder Studio in De Pere and volunteers for its ARTreach program, which offers performing arts workshops for area elementary students.

Her volunteer efforts took her outside of the country last summer as one of 15 NDA students who went on the Jamaica Service Trip.

Meeuwsen wants to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism management.

"I enjoy traveling and planning trips," Meeuwsen said.

"As long as I can remember, I've always wanted to go to Paris. I used to carry around a postcard all the time that my aunt gave me when she went to Paris. My sister has gone to Paris and brought me back a whole bunch of pictures I have hanging in my room."

Meeuwsen said Sunday's final performance of "Matilda" will be emotional for her. However, she feels blessed to have so many memories and experiences to take away from her time at NDA.

"I'm thankful for all the opportunities the school gives me," Meeuwsen said. "Not only extra-curriculars, but academically, too. They offer courses in various levels and are challenging. I'm in an AP course and three IB classes and some honors and regular classes to.

"It's just nice to get a mix and try out different styles of learning. It really pushes me in different ways academically, which is really nice to see what I enjoy taking."

Buy tickets online for "Matilda The Musical."