The John Deere Scholars Campus Program is pleased to introduce our John Deere Scholar of the Month for November, Ella Strader.

Ella was born in Chicago and her family moved to Davenport when she was four years old.  In Davenport, she attended Central High School and worked at the Figge Art Museum and at JoAnn Fabrics.  Active in music and performing arts in high school, Ella has brought that interest with her to the University of Iowa, where she is majoring in Music Education with a BA in Vocal Performance. She hopes to return to Davenport after graduation to “teach music in the district that inspired me to pursue music education.” 

Ella’s schedule as a first-semester music major includes Music Theory, Introductory Piano, Voice Lessons, Foundational Drawing, Writing and Communication, Educational Psychology, and singing with the Voxman Chorale, where she had a solo in the October 17 Choral Collage Concert.  Her favorite class so far is Educational Psychology, where she enjoys, “learning about how the brain develops and the psychology behind helping students learn.”  When she’s not in class, studying, or practicing, you can find her volunteering with the Slater Hall Association and the Iowa Blood Club, taking long walks around Iowa City, drinking plain, black coffee, spending quality time with her plants in her dorm room, or hanging out with friends. 

Ella is paired this year with two John Deere Mentors, Danell Stewart and Brian Coari. Since being matched last spring the three of them have connected in a number of different ways and places, including the scholars dinner in Davenport, Ella’s graduation party, an art display at the Figge Museum, the campus program kick-off at the Gerdin Athletic Learning Center at the University of Iowa, online mentoring sessions, and recently at a sushi dinner in Iowa City. Over time, Ella, Danell, and Brian have built a strong connection. Brian was a little nervous at first, “...as a Mathematics and Computer Science double major with a Master's in Data Science, I didn't know if it would be a good fit to work with a music major,” but Danell notes that even with different academic interests, the mentorship pairing has been great.  

“While I don’t have much to offer Ella in terms of music expertise, I’ve tried to be a cheerleader and sounding board for her as she navigates this exciting chapter. My biggest piece of advice so far has been to make sure she takes time to enjoy the college experience — not just the academics, but the friendships, the fun, and the growth that comes with it.” 

- Danell Stewart, John Deere Program Mentor

"My mentors, Danell and Brian, and I talk about how I'm doing academically, how I'm managing my workload, and have given me great advice on balancing schoolwork with making sure I make time for fun with friends," says Ella. "They motivate me to stay on track, and their positive, excited energies have really fueled my attitude and make our meetings a highlight of my day or month." 

The John Deere Scholars Program has played an important part in Ella’s transition to college at the University of Iowa, and she recommends that Davenport area students explore what the program has to offer, even if they're not sure about their future plans.  

"You don't have to know exactly what you want to do in college or in life - most people change their major at least slightly, and I came in as an Open Major! But show you're willing to do the hard work and put in care and effort when it comes to your studies. Work with the JDS Program team and especially the amazing Ms. Licht!  Ask questions and come in with a mind eager to learn from the people here to help you."

- Ella Strader, first-year music major from Davenport, IA

Congratulations to Ella Strader, our November 2025 John Deere Scholar of the Month!