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Local student is National Merit finalist
The selection of a finalist is based on exemplary classroom work; high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT and supporting SAT scores; comprehensive self-descriptive essay and information pertaining to extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and honors; and a character recommendation from a school official. Emily, daughter of Martin and Karen Copeland, has been home-schooled by her mother since kindergarten. This individualized education provided her many opportunities. Hope Christian School offers families the accountability and structure of a private school, while insuring parents the influence of a home-education format. Emily and her siblings, Anna and Andrew, are a part of Hope Christian's Blount/North Jefferson support group. In addition to her home education classes, Emily studied chemistry with Mildred Williams and conversational Spanish with Cindy Hastings. During her senior year, Emily has taken math and literature classes at Jeff State and a Spanish language course at Snead State. Emily is an active member of Lester Memorial United Methodist Church where she has had opportunities both to learn from intelligent, godly individuals and to grow spiritually and mentally, her parents said. She is a member of the church's praise band, has played the piano since she was 6, and currently takes lessons at the Blount School of Music from Sara Towns. She was also involved in classical ballet and danced with Company Ballet in Huntsville, Briarwood Ballet in Birmingham and performed as a company cast member in the Alabama Ballet's Balanchine's Nutcracker. Since she was 14, Emily has been involved in the venturing division of the Boy Scouts of America, earning two bronze awards and her gold and silver awards. The silver is the highest award available in venturing and requires a level of commitment similar to that required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Emily also served as the first council venturing president where she represented youth from 22 counties on the executive board of the Greater Alabama Council, BSA. Emily represented the United States at the World Scout Jamboree in Chelmsford, Essex UK, and has participated in events or activities in Alabama, Minnesota, Tennessee, and North Carolina and will be going to New Mexico this summer. This fall, Emily plans to attend Auburn University where she will be a presidential scholar and member of the Honors College. She hopes to study abroad for a semester and ultimately attend law school. |
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