It’s been quite a few months for Broadmoor Elementary broadcasting teacher Mark Ellis Jr.
Ellis and his Ablaze Youth Choir were honored as the New Artist of the Year during the 41st annual Stellar Awards on Aug. 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ceremony, hosted by gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin, celebrates outstanding achievements by gospel artists, choir directors and industry professionals. The award is one of gospel music’s most prestigious honors.
“To hear my name called, my heart was beating out of my chest,” Ellis said. “I was so proud of not just myself, but all the choir members and the producers and everyone who helped, my church family here in Baton Rouge.”
For Ellis, it’s another milestone in what has been a busy last few months. He graduated from LSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a minor in business. And, while his music career was reaching new heights, Ellis was also beginning his first year in the classroom.
“It was definitely a lot to just juggle, but I was able to balance it perfectly,” Ellis said. “The school system just made it so clear for me. They were supportive, so I was able to teach my students and still be able to go participate in the Stellar Awards, come back home and get right back to class. So it’s been an awesome experience.”
Ellis, 21, is the director of the Ablaze Youth Choir at United Christian Faith Ministries of Baton Rouge, where his father, Mark Ellis Sr., is the senior pastor.
“I’m just so happy that we could be recognized at such a young age,” he said.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and longest-running televised awards show honoring African American gospel music.
