Senior Emily Richie has been named Noon Optimist Student of the Month for February.
A day student who has been enrolled at Darlington since fourth grade, Richie has taken 14 Honors and AP classes, and is a member of the varsity tennis team, National Art Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, the Student Arts Council, Advancement Ambassadors, and the Student Activities Committee.
"Emily has taken a very challenging course load over the last four years and has done extremely well in those classes," said her advisor, Brant Evans, assistant director of Upper School. "She works tirelessly to find success in those courses and leaves nothing to chance by making sure she is prepared for her classes. What is even more impressive to me is how she finds time to do this while she is also partaking in a number of community activities. The balancing act she has managed to complete is pretty remarkable."
Outside of school, Richie has participated in the Rome Floyd Chamber's Emerge (High School Leadership Rome) program, Young Life, and volunteers with Extra Special People Inc. She is also very involved at First Baptist Church of Rome, where she participates in the Extended Family Committee and Youth Group gatherings. She also served as illustrator for her sister, Elizabeth's ('23), devotional book.
"Emily is driven, thoughtful and kind," said Evans. "I think it says something about her character that she was willing to spend the time to illustrate this book for her sister when she already had a busy schedule, and then to humbly avoid credit unless it is absolutely necessary to mention. I am truly impressed with her maturity and how she carries herself, and this will most certainly serve her well as she moves on to the challenges of college."
The daughter of Betsy ('98, LD '18) and Brian Richie of Rome, Emily will be honored at an Optimist Club luncheon on Feb. 11.
