Emily Larson recently proved that hard work and dedication pay off.

Emily, a sophomore here at GHS, was one of “500 students throughout the nation who were…invited to be honored at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center’s Recognition Ceremony,” as published in a University of Iowa News Release.  Emily was recognized for earning top ACT scores in the Belin-Blank Center’s Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS).

Emily has led an interesting path in her education career thus far.  In fourth grade she was considered a candidate for grade acceleration.  Emily explained “the University of Iowa’s Acceleration scale [showed she] was an excellent candidate for whole-grade acceleration [after considering factors such as] test scores, grades, teacher evaluations, study skills, physical attributes, and many other things.”  After taking a close look at all these areas, it was concluded that Emily have the opportunity for grade acceleration, which took her from mid-year fourth grade to mid-year fifth grade.

This isn’t the first time Emily has been recognized by the Belin-Blank Center.  She was also recognized in fourth grade for “scoring in the top 1% of students who took the Explore test, which is designed for eighth graders.”  Additionally, Emily “received high honors at John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth for [her] SAT scores,” as explained by Emily.

Academics isn’t the only thing in which Emily excels.  She is a talented basketball, volleyball, and soccer player.  She is also an active member of GHS’s wind symphony and marching band.  Although this may seem overwhelming to some, Emily explains she keeps her priorities in order by balancing “a rigorous academic schedule while still participating in a variety of extracurricular activities.”

Having had the opportunity to teach Emily her freshmen year, I have been impressed by her work ethic, her commitment do everything to the best of her ability, and her kind and caring demeanor.  She is a student that I am certain will accomplish great things.  I wish her well in the rest of not only her academic career, but in all aspects of her life.