Ariel Endacott graduated from Churchill County High School in 2009. She went on to earn her degree in Film Studies, with a minor in U.S. History, from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to work in television.
“It was a privilege to spend my formative years in such a close-knit community,” Ariel said. She grew up in Churchill County with her brother Erik. Their parents Steve and Dana Endacott -- both Navy Pilots -- arrived at NAS Fallon in 1988.
“Military personnel from all over the world contribute their unique skill sets while multi-generational families provide a sense of history and wonderful traditions, like the Cantaloupe Festival! It’s truly an idyllic place to grow up,” Ariel said.
While in high school, Ariel was involved with the Fallon Swing Club, musicals, student government, and the tennis team.
“The first script I wrote was based on my experience with the Fallon Swing Club,” Ariel said. “I’ll always be grateful to Debbie Edwards for creating the program.” Ariel said swing dancing was one of the highlights of her high school years, noting how the team broke down social cliques and instilled confidence in students.
Ariel moved from Fallon to a city with over 8 million people. While attending Barnard in New York, she participated in entertainment-related internships, explored the city’s museums, and continued to swing dance.
“Adjusting to life in New York City took time, but it was well worth it,” Ariel said. “Facing unfamiliar environments and academic challenges compelled my classmates and me to grow in ways we never anticipated.”
After graduating from Barnard, Ariel moved back to Fallon for five months and worked odd jobs while strategizing her move to Los Angeles. Since moving to LA, Ariel has held numerous jobs in the industry that led her to her current position as Showrunner’s Assistant on SEAL TEAM. In this role, Ariel supports the show’s head writer/producer and 12 writers. She also has a very exciting assignment: “This season I received the opportunity to write my first episode of television for the show,” said Ariel. “I feel extremely lucky to work with such a supportive showrunner, writers, director, and crew. The episode is scheduled to shoot in February in Los Angeles and, if all goes well, it should air on CBS in March. I won’t reveal the title, but the episode number is 410!”
SEAL TEAM is a military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of Special Operators as they train, plan and execute dangerous missions. The show strives to honor service members through an authentic dramatization of combat, trauma, and sacrifice. As someone who grew up in a Navy family, Ariel said she is thrilled to contribute to a show with that mission. She plans to continue pursuing a career in TV writing and ultimately aspires to become a showrunner.
“Showrunners are the head writers and producers of their respective shows. They have their hands in every pot, including the story arcs, budgets, construction, costumes, hair, etc.”
When asked about what advice she has for high school students, Ariel encouraged students to live a life of purpose. She also advised students to dream big, treat others with kindness, and understand that failure is part of the process.
“Your tenacity and resilience matter far more than your IQ score.”
When asked if she would like to thank anyone, Ariel asked how much time we had, and shared a list of over a dozen people, including her parents and many Fallon teachers, who provided guidance and encouraged her to seek a life of integrity and purpose.
“It truly takes a village to raise a child. Knowing that this community is behind my classmates and me through our ups and downs means the world.”
Commanders Steve and Dana Endacott retired from the Navy after serving 20 years and settled in Fallon. Both actively work and volunteer in the community. Ariel’s brother Erik, a CCHS and Iowa State University graduate, recently returned to the U.S. after serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa. He is currently employed as a Soil Conservation Technician for the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service in Northern Minnesota.
LEAD On is producing the "Where Are They Now" features in a partnership with The Fallon Post and has also produced a video with Ariel. See it here: https://vimeo.com/511274871
LEAD On is a leadership development nonprofit organization founded by Fallon native Garrett Kalt. It is based on the premise of providing opportunities to the current and future student leaders of Churchill County through training and mentorship. The connections made through LEAD On will propel students from various backgrounds to be better leaders for their communities.
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