The Western Wheel will be profiling outstanding graduating students from the area’s high schools throughout June.
Emma Duke has made the high school years more enjoyable for her peers at Foothills Composite.
The driving force behind a host of extra-curricular activities, the graduating senior has been so instrumental in enhancing the high school experience for fellow students that she recently received the Okotoks school’s Ambassador Award.
"I really like the outcome and the impact it leaves on students, like seeing people go through the yearbook or enjoy the different activities or events we put on through student union. I really enjoy it,” Duke said.
“It's a good feeling at the end of the day and I'm not type of person to sit around and do nothing, so it gives me something else to do and working with teachers and peers who want the same thing as me is really something I like doing.”
Having played a leading role in hosting everything from movie nights and Easter egg hunts to the Reindeer Games, Duke said giving students something beyond the classroom brings her joy.
“Yes, that's a big part of why I do it," she said. "I know no one wants to just go to school and learn, they like having something to look forward to, like a movie night or a bake sale, those types of things.”
She joined the yearbook committee and student union in Grade 10 and was a member of the grad committee this year. Duke helped edit countless photos for all three yearbooks she was involved in, saying it was enjoyable to create lasting memories for fellow students.
Her volunteerism extended into the wider community as she helped the Kiwanis Club build an inclusive playground at Dr. Morris Gibson School and as a member of the Girl Guides since she was six.
When Duke was presented with the Ambassador Award, which celebrates an individual who has positively represented and contributed to the school and community, the presenter had this to say: “As a leader of our school, Emma does not draw attention to herself, yet she is steadfast in her generosity and selfless service to others. Emma’s humble nature and dedication to whatever she sets her mind to enables her to lead others and make a positive impact. She is a representation of a true Falcon and all that our students can achieve.”
Duke was also a star in the classroom, earning Class of 2023 Honours with Distinction by maintaining an average north of 90 per cent while carrying a full academic course load. She pointed to foods and construction as her favourite classes.
In fact, she enjoys cooking and baking so much that she’s headed to SAIT in September to study hospitality and tourism management with an eye toward restaurant management.
Working at two restaurants and running a home-based baking business with her mom, Duke is already well on her way and is excited by the prospect of pursuing studies in that field.
“That's another part why I think I'll enjoy college a lot," she said. "Just having the freedom to focus on the things that you actually want to do, and not take a class because you're forced to take it."
