Ender Straughen is among the top students in the Class of 2026 and is taking five Advanced Placement (AP) courses during his senior year:AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Microeconomics, and AP Physics. 

But despite his rigorous academic class load, Ender is one of the most involved students in the school. 

Faculty member Mr. John Berlin describes Ender as “De La Salle's true Renaissance man: scholar, athlete, Robotics, music, theater, and on it goes----whatever he immerses himself in he excels.”

Ender is a leader on the DLS DECA team, and was recently a District Champion in Apparel Marketing; he will be participating at the state level March 5-7.  

He has participated in DECA since sophomore year, and DECA Moderator Mr. Dennis Koch notes Ender comes to practice willingly and wants to help the younger members get better. 

“He practices with them, “ Koch said. “That’s a true Pilot. That’s Ender.” 

Ender is also headed to state competition with the DLS HOSA team; on January 31, Ender and his partner qualified in the Creative Problem Solving category. This was his first year of competition. (READ MORE) 

Ender has also gone to “states” as a member of the DLS Varsity tennis team; he started playing tennis his sophomore year and plays varsity doubles. 

Ender describes himself as shy, and made friends with other students in his classes, but “I sat by.” 

Teachers, and his friends, encouraged him to join some clubs.

“That’s how I joined tennis,” Ender said. “I had never played. It was amazing!” 

Ender is also a member of the DLS Robotics team.

Mr. Rob Black, moderator of the “AutoPilots” - the DLS Robotics team, says, “Ender has been a tremendous addition to our Robotics team! Although he didn’t join until his junior year, he made an immediate impact with his willingness to jump in and learn any task and his attention to detail.”

Ender attended Carter Middle School, and decided to attend De La Salle for its academics.

“I only knew of two other people who came to De La Salle,” Ender said. “I wasn’t friends with them.”

His freshman year, Ender was part of the Marching Band at Cousino HIgh School. “I knew Band kids from Carter, and I was just adjusting. I am a pretty shy person.” 

He also continued the connection with Carter, assisting their Robotics team his freshman year. 

At the same time, he was in the DLS Concert Band, where he has learned to play French horn, and still takes private lessons. He is a four-year Band member.

DLS Music Director Mr. Robert Cornwell, ‘19, says “Ender is very involved with every facet of the Music Department. He’s in Choir, Pep Band, and Concert Band. He has worked on musicals at Regina and been involved with stage crew. He is one of our leaders and his leadership and dedication in everything he does make Ender the best kind of student.”

Ender is unsure of a future college major, but may possibly pursue the sciences. 

Theology teacher Mr. John Berlin says, “Ender is truly one of my very favorites: always upbeat, always positive, and always ready to learn! He is just one of those men who are a true joy to have in class. He exemplifies cooperative dialogue in the classroom for the benefit of himself and others. Few men readily listen, reflect, and share their insight as Ender can. Any class is better for having him in it! He truly is one of the 'Best and Brightest’.”

Ender says he will have many favorite memories of De La Salle: “Going to states in DECA and in tennis, and late nights in the Robotics room.”

He has advice for freshmen: “At De La Salle, make friends, get involved, and have a good time. It’s over before you know it.” 

Ender lives in Warren, with his parents Randall and Rebekah Straughen. The family attends St. Malachy Parish in Sterling Heights