Redefining the Win: Dr. Ellery Jones ’14 Honored as 2026 Distinguished Alumna

Ethics Day at Kent Denver has always been a time for deep reflection, but this year’s theme, The Ethics of Competition, felt particularly resonant.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Ellery Jones ’14, whose life and career have served as a masterclass in balancing high-level achievement with integrity and purpose.

Ellery’s resume reads like an exploration of excellence across diverse fields. From the intensity of the volleyball courts as a Division I athlete at Harvard to the bright lights of the Miss America stage as Miss Colorado 2018, she has navigated some of the most competitive environments in the country. Now an expert and teacher in her professional field, she returned to campus to share the wisdom she gained along that journey.

Addressing the Middle and Upper School students during an all-school assembly, Ellery moved beyond the standard tropes of "winning and losing." Instead, she challenged students to examine their internal motivations, or their "why."

She spoke candidly about how the ethics of competition aren't just about following the rules—they are about how you treat your opponents, how you handle setbacks, and how you ensure your drive for success doesn't outpace your commitment to your values.

"Competing at the highest levels taught me that the trophy is temporary, but the character you build in the pursuit is permanent," Ellery told students during her speech.

The award ceremony was only the beginning of Ellery’s homecoming. She spent the remainder of the day fully immersed in the Kent Denver community, participating in student-led seminars and sitting down for a deep-dive interview with Head of School David Braemer.

Her presence on campus provided a bridge between our current students and a graduate who has successfully translated the "Kent Denver way" into a life of significant impact. Whether she was discussing medical ethics in a classroom or sharing athletic advice on the sidelines, Ellery embodied the well-rounded excellence we hope to instill in every student.

The success of the day was a testament to the Ethics Day Committee and the student seminar leaders who facilitated challenging conversations throughout the afternoon. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ellery for her time and her insights, and we are proud to count her among our most distinguished alumni. Watch highlights from Ethics Day in the video below.