by: Tori Shubert and Lila Zamansky

People and Media Editors

Entering her second year of high school, ambitious sophomore Emerson Gaylord does it all, balancing 12 hours of dance per week, volunteering, and takes rigorous courses while leaving a lasting impression on her surrounding community. 

This year, to enrich her academic experience, Gaylord has taken on a tremendous course load. Her packed schedule includes English 10 Honors, Spanish 3, Chemistry, AP European History, Algebra 2 Accelerated, and Graphic Design. Despite the rigor of these classes, Gaylord stays on top of her workload by mapping out her tasks and assignments, stating that organization is key to success.

Outside of the classroom, Gaylord’s extracurricular schedule is jam-packed. Gaylord performs with the LGHS Dance Team, bringing her vibrant energy to every football game, school rally, and practice. Beyond campus, she has been competitively dancing with the West Valley Dance Company, dancing a dozen hours a week. Gaylord immerses herself in a variety of styles, explaining, “I do multiple different types of dance, including jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and contemporary,” noting that contemporary is her favorite style. Since the age of seven, Gaylord has grown up in the dance community. Dance has become more than a hobby for Gaylord— it’s a form of art, “allowing me to express myself in a way words can’t.”

Gaylord also spends countless hours giving back to the community. As a fifth-year member of the National Charity League (NCL), Gaylord has experience leading her peers as well as being immersed in many volunteer opportunities, taking on a new role each year, including her most recent term as president. When describing her time as president, Gaylord shared, “I felt very honored to be nominated as the president by my NCL peers and appreciated the chance to embrace this leadership role.” Her shining gratitude and versatile nature ultimately earned her the Modelette Award at the end of last year, being elected as the ideal role model of her class. Gaylord is an active member of the community, performing over 250 hours of community service. She has worked with many organizations including Book-Go-Round, Animal Assisted Happiness, House of Hope, and Friends of the Library. Approaching the end of her fifth year as an NCL member, Gaylord describes her volunteering as something that makes her feel more involved in the community, as it “boosts my mood, knowing that I am able to benefit others in need, as one part of a whole society.”

While juggling a busy schedule, Gaylord prioritizes her mental health, finding time for recreational interests and hobbies. In her rare free time, she enjoys playing pickleball, traveling, hiking, and trying new things, while also maintaining her high academic standards. Looking to the future, she advised her peers to “make time for yourself, make time for others, and live life to the fullest.”