KHS will soon be the home to an up-and-coming celebrity.

Sophomore Mary Wheeler took a trip to Chicago with the after school choir group, Melody Makers. Afterward, she was contacted by an employee of Ellen DeGeneres.

Due to her vocal talent, Wheeler was invited to be a guest on DeGeneres’ show “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

“It was crazy,” Wheeler said. “I don’t think I’m that good, so to have anyone interested in my talent is mind blowing.”

Wheeler returned from Chicago on Sunday, March 26. She had traveled with her group and some of her closest friends.

“It was a great experience.” Wheeler said.” Now that this happened, it was even better!”

Senior Neil Kagerer, Wheeler’s friend, was not surprised.

“Mary is such an animated person, and you can see that when she performs,” Kagerer said. “I mean, I always thought that I would be the first on TV, but that’s OK.”

Wheeler has been singing in a school choir since her freshman year. But singing is not Wheeler’s only talent. She has been in multiple school plays.

Mrs. Ellen DeGeneres is excited to meet Wheeler, speaking to The Eclipse in a phone interview.

“When I first saw her perform, I had goosebumps,” DeGeneres said. “She was performing with a group of students but something about her energy drew my attention to her.”

Wheeler is unsure when she will join DeGeneres on set but can’t wait.

“It is such an incredible experience,” Wheeler said. “I have looked up to Ellen for years now, and now I get to meet her! As if meeting her isn’t enough, but I am a guest on her show!”

On the show, Wheeler plans to showcase her singing. She will attribute her talent to her immediate family and her second-family, Melody Makers.

“What kind of person would I be if I didn’t? I wouldn’t have been in Chicago performing if it weren’t for them, and Mrs. (Renee) Kotzian’s leadership.”

Wheeler hopes that after the show airs, she will be able to pursue her dreams of being a Broadway actress or a singer.

“I have a few ideas for some original songs. I hope that maybe a record company will sign me. If that happens, it will be a dream come true.”

Disclaimer — This story is made up and is completely fictitious. Don’t believe a word of it. April Fools!