Ella Rejiba named SL Winter Carnival Princess

Feb. 6, 2026

SARANAC LAKE -- North Country Community College is proud to announce that Ella Rejiba, a second-year student on our Saranac Lake campus, has been selected to represent the college as this year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Princess.

Every year, students from North Country and Paul Smith’s College are picked to join the Winter Carnival Court. Rejiba will receive her princess crown during tonight’s coronation ceremony at the Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake, alongside this year’s prince, Connor Howell, a PSC senior from New Jersey.

Rejiba is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and brings an international perspective to the North Country community, having grown up in Halifax, England. She is a graduate of All Saints Catholic High School in Huddersfield and is the daughter of Mary Rejiba and the younger sister of her brother, Ryan, both of whom have played an important role in shaping her values and work ethic.

A standout student-athlete, Rejiba is a member of the Saints women’s soccer team and served as a team captain during the Fall 2025 season. She also made program history, with teammate Hannah Gaddor, as North Country’s first-ever NJCAA All-Americans in women’s soccer, a testament to her talent, leadership, and dedication on the field.

Beyond athletics, Rejiba has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, volunteering with youth soccer programs and supporting elderly community members throughout her life. These experiences have helped foster her compassion, sense of responsibility, and community-focused approach to leadership.

Outside of academics and athletics, Rejiba enjoys spending time with friends and family. Following graduation, she plans to transfer to a four-year institution, continue competing in collegiate soccer, and earn her bachelor’s degree.

Rejiba said she is excited to take part in this year’s Winter Carnival festivities and is honored to represent North Country Community College in this long-standing community tradition.

Winter Carnival begins today and runs through February 15. For more, visit www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com.