Senior Emi Grace Wood has been named Noon Optimist Student of the Month for October.
A day student who has been enrolled at Darlington since fourth grade, Wood has taken 12 Honors and AP classes, and serves as president of the "Y" Cabinet, day leader in Cooper House, and an Advancement Ambassador.
"Emi Grace is a kind and gentle soul that brightens up the classroom," said sciencer teacher Mike Hudson ('94, LD '18), her advisor. "She works hard, takes her responsibilities seriously, and also brings a fun energy along with her. With a positive and industrious demeanor, she has earned the respect of her peers and the faculty. She is a great kid with a bright future ahead."
Wood is a four-year member of the varsity basketball team as well as the football spirit and competition cheerleading squads. As a freshman, she received the Darlington Parents Association Class Citizenship Award.
"Emi Grace is the perfect recipient for this Noon Optimist Club award," said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Smyly, her cheerleading coach. "As a captain of both the spirit and competition cheerleading squads, she always looks for the best in people. She encourages other teammates to work hard, have a good attitude, and be enthusiastic. Most importantly, she leads by example. She always gives 100%, challenges herself to be the best she can, and always has the best interest of the team in mind. She is selfless and a wonderful role model for younger students."
Wood is a graduate of the Emerge High School Leadership Program, sponsored by the Rome Floyd Chamber, and spends her summers working at Darlington's Camp Delightascope and Youth Basketball Camp.
The daughter of Becca and Tyler Wood of Rome, Emi Grace will be honored at an Optimist Club luncheon on Oct. 22.
