October’s Student of the Month is the ever-smiling and always genuine Emma Blair. Emma is authentic, caring, and kind to whomever she meets. Ogden is a better place because of her attitude and leadership. She is very active both in and outside of school and has made a positive impact with all she does. Emma is the daughter of Katie Blair.
Emma embodies the small-school atmosphere at OHS and to say she is involved would be an understatement. She serves as a mentor by sharing her talents and volunteering. Emma is the Student Council Secretary, a member of National Honor Society, CMS Club President, and was chosen for Homecoming Court. She has also participated in Spanish Bowl, cross country, and golf. Emma shines on stage and has had lead roles in musicals and plays. Last year, she received an award at the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Emma is an incredibly talented musician and has garnered many awards in band and chorus. While at OHS, she has participated in Mixed Choir, Chamber Choir, Show Choir, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Musical Pit, and Pep Band. She has served on the Leadership Team for Marching Band as Field Commander, Section Leader, and Uniform Captain. Emma has been selected to represent OHS in many honor bands throughout Iowa and won the Best Marcher Award at the Urbandale Marching Invitational. She has auditioned for the All-State Chorus and was selected to participate in 2018. Having performed several solos and been a member of countless ensembles, Emma has received numerous Division 1 ratings and Outstanding Performance Awards at music contest.
Outside of school, Emma manages to find time for dance, Bulldog Builders Youth Group, and praise band. She has participated in mission trips with her youth group to Mississippi. Emma participated in the Iowa Youth Institute through the World Food Prize last spring. She wrote a research paper, "Sierra Leone: Improving Malnutrition in Rural Areas through Surplus," where she examined the overall state of the country and proposed possible solutions for malnutrition. From hundreds of students, she was selected as an alternate to participate in the global youth institute. Last summer, Emma was also selected as a finalist for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Student Award. In October, she will join the other finalists in West Branch to present on her project, Bringing Art Back to the Youth of a Small Town.
After graduating, Emma plans to enroll at a four-year university/college but is currently undecided on a major. Emma has a bright future ahead and will be successful in whatever she chooses. She is a remarkable role model who has set the bar high for others to follow. Congratulations, Emma, for being named Ogden High School’s October Student of the Month! Bravo!
