Emerson Bay, a sophomore at South Salem High School, indulges in many extracurricular activities. She is a varsity cheerleader as well as the vice president of the Rock Climbing Club. Additionally, she is involved in DECA, the speech and debate team and theater.
Even though she is not planning on continuing her extracurriculars after high school, the experience is more than valuable to her. Most of the activities she participates in are to spend more time with the people involved. The community of the school is shaped by these activities, which is what makes them more appealing.
“I value the community that comes with being connected to the school because no matter what it is they do, you can tell they love it, from DECA to theater to sports,” Bay said.
Bay attended private school until her eighth-grade year. The change in environment from private to public is what allowed her to gain the confidence to try new things. Pursuing this confidence shaped her as a person and allowed her to connect with people.
Trying New Things
“You get to meet so many amazing people, and you do not get bored. I think it is really important to try things, especially when we are in high school and still figuring everything out. You will find out so much about yourself if you go out of your comfort zone,” Bay said.
The people she meets allow her to keep moving forward and not give up on something she loves. Bay’s goal is to create that feeling for others who are taking their first steps in something new. Contributing to the school has become important to her and wants to continue doing so.
“I want people to remember me and how I treated them. I want to leave a legacy of kindness and that you can do anything as long as you work hard at it,” Bay said.
