Emmy: West Bend-Mallard

Describing yourself is never easy, but Emmy has a humility that’s really rare among high schoolers. She would probably describe herself as “quiet, and an animal-lover”, but I’d add “kind” to that list. These words are not merely ones that describe her, but really show her core values: kindness, gentleness, and empathy. In a world that moves quickly and is sometimes chaotic, her sweet spirit is a welcome change! During her high school years, sweet Emmy pursued the many things that brought her joy: including dance, art, and tumbling. In doing so, she discovered these were the things that brought her passions to life. Art, which had always been her favorite subject, became more than a class. In fact, it became her lifeline and through the strokes of paint and the shaping of clay, she discovered a special respite from the stresses of life. 

One of her biggest role models is her brother, Dom. He has a wickedly-smart sense of humor and his facing of challenges inspires her to approach every day with optimism and grace. If there’s one cause that truly ignites her, it’s her passion for her family. She treasures the time that she can spend with loved ones, especially a dinner or a quiet evening at home. As she made her way through her high school years, she learned several important lessons, including how to truly rest (a skill I am still learning!). 

As she heads toward the future, Emmy dreams of working with young children. It’s a path that she has chosen not out of obligation, but because she has a desire to make a true difference in young lives. Emmy has a quiet demeanor, but she leads with example, and shows kindness to everyone she meets. She’s the definition of authentic, and reminded me that the future is in really good hands when there are students like her.