Q: In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A: I am currently enrolled in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q: Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A: The members of my family include my parents Michael and Cynthia, my older sisters Mikayla and Darci and my dog Shelby and my cat Sampson.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is art because it allows me to imaginatively view life from different perspectives and creatively express myself, which are both very important to me. Art has always been a major part of my life and I am so grateful to be able to practice and study it in school.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: I have received a National Silver Medal, an American Visions Award Nomination, a Juror’s Award, four Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and five Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards throughout high school. I have also received the Principal’s Academic Excellence Award and Achievement in Art Award and I was selected as a Girl of the Month in the EHS Art Department through the Woman’s Club of Emmaus.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has COVID-19 impacted these activities?

A: I serve as the president of Mud Club, which is the ceramics group at EHS, as well as the crew chief of painting for the EHS Theater Department. I am also involved in National Honor Society, Hornet Ambassadors, Interact Club and Chorale. COVID-19 has hindered numerous opportunities in these clubs; however, we have been able to adapt to the pandemic’s restrictions as we have learned to connect and collaborate in new and innovative ways, mostly by meeting virtually.

Q: What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A: My biggest challenge has been building up my self-confidence. Throughout my academic career, I have always been burdened with self-doubt in my abilities and appearance, which caused me to miss out on many opportunities. Yet, with the support of my family and friends, educators and much practice developing a healthy mindset, I can now confidently express myself and accept who I am. Motivated by my desire to positively grow as a student and as a person, I always give my best effort and care in the work that I do and the genuine person I demonstrate, no matter what negative thoughts may arise.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: After high school, I will attend Kutztown University to major in art education and minor in studio art or communications design.

Q: Whom do you admire? Why?

A: I admire all of the strong and independent women in my life, especially my mom and two older sisters. All of them inspire me to learn new things, challenge my limitations and grow to be a kind, bold and powerful woman who aims to make a difference in her community.

Q: For what would you like to be remembered?

A: I would like to be remembered as a kind, compassionate and creative person whose art and imagination push far beyond the limits and whose heart always makes room for the wellbeing of her friends, peers and community.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: The advice I would give to my peers is to love yourself and be proud of who you are and what you can do. There is so much more to you than you realize, and your potential is limitless. Even though life is difficult, it is also beautiful, precious and irreplaceable, and you have the power to make it your own. Recognize that you are so loved and that with each new step, you are not alone. I wish all of my peers every happiness in their futures after graduation, and I am so proud of how far we’ve come together.