If you spend even a few minutes talking with Arabella Etzold-Erickson, you quickly discover they have an impressive range of passions. From competitive speed puzzling to musical theater, roller skating to animal science, Arabella brings curiosity, discipline, and a little bit of delightful quirkiness to everything she does.
Now a sophomore in her third year at TEA, Arabella is deeply involved with the Belonging Club, TEA Players, as well as with the drama department of the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. Through their intensive summer production program, she earned the role of Betty Blast in Footloose, performing lines while roller skating on stage. That experience demanded discipline, time management, and leadership as rehearsals stretched long into the evenings alongside school commitments.
Her dedication and leadership at the Club led her to apply for the
Youth of the Year Award, for which they completed essays, prepared a formal speech, submitted a résumé and cover letter, and presented to board members, earning her a spot as an award finalist.
Arabella also brings a wonderfully unique competitive hobby to the spotlight: speed puzzling. What began as a family pastime evolved into national online competitions. Recently, she competed alongside adult competitors, an experience she described as both nerve-wracking and exciting.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was also really exciting. I got all my music set up. I get my prep work done, I work on my breathing then go,” they said.
That same focus and discipline show up in the classroom.
Arabella says she especially appreciates TEA’s revision process, noting that having the opportunity to refine her work has helped her build confidence and strengthen her writing. She said she values the accessibility of her teachers and the way TEA creates space to improve rather than simply move on.
As a sophomore, Arabella already has a clear academic direction. She is exploring animal science, inspired by years of working with horses. With the support of TEA’s Academic, College and Career Counselor Katy Watts, she has already taken a college-level class and is researching specialized programs and summer opportunities aligned with her goals. Rather than feeling rushed into decisions, Arabella is approaching her future thoughtfully, using high school to test interests, build credentials, and expand her understanding of what is possible.
Arabella embodies curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to lean into her varied interests and passions. We are proud to celebrate her many talents and the thoughtful, driven spirit she brings to our CommuniTEA.
