Discus Award Winner
Emily Smith
12th Grade, VA
ATTRIBUTES
Academics
I have been on the Distinguished Honor Roll from 8th to 12th grade and received the following awards from my high school: Theology Excellence, Visual Art Excellence and Achievement, Most Outstanding History Project, National Honors Society, and Spanish Excellence Award. I received a nomination for the National Young Leadership Conference. Creative Communications published my essay "Technology" and poem "Taco Bake" in "Anthology, A Celebration of Poets" a magazine for young poets.
Athletics
I played soccer and field hockey from 8th through 12th grade, and basketball in 8th grade. For field hockey, I received an Honorable Mention for the tournament team Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools in 10th grade, while also making the All State team in 2010 and 2011. I was named Most Valuable Player for my high school and was included in the All Virginia Gazette Team in 2011. I attended the Disney Showcase and National Field Hockey Festival in 2010. Channel 3 WTKR News named me Athlete of the Week in October, 2011.
Community Service
I have participated in the Hospice Teen Outreach Committee, Key Club, Camden Mission Trip, 3 v 3 Inspired Soccer Tournament, and completed over 50 hours of service each year of high school. As Vice President of Key Club in 2010, I helped the Builders Club organize projects and incorporated them with my high school Key Club. The Camden Mission Trip exposed me to an indescribable environment. After painting over graffiti, listening to locals at homeless shelters, and playing dodge ball with the elementary school, I realized how service encourages me to help others see God. Likewise, the 3 v 3 soccer Inspired Tournament raised money to treat African children with Malaria. Service continues to help me grow in my faith, while also helping others find optimism in the midst of doubt.
