For Emily Evans, a junior at Portage High School, a typical day may include anything from reading or spending time with friends to raising money for a worthy cause.
Emily was selected for the Kiwanis Student Spotlight, which recognizes outstanding students in Portage Township Schools.
She is the managing editor of design for the high school newspaper, studio assistant for the school’s television show and designer for the school’s sports magazine. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the student council, and will serve as the student body president next year.
Emily was a Distinguished Young Woman participant and a part of the school musical the past two years.
As a freshman, Emily developed the Insomnia Event at Portage High.
After the earthquake in Haiti, she wanted to find a way that she and her peers could raise money to help people in need. She was inspired by the Relay for Life. Students raise money or pay to attend the all-night event. Past events have also raised money for Gabriel’s Horn and the Caring Place in Valparaiso.
Emily will be on staff next year for a peer-selected group retreat called Natural Helpers.
Melissa Deavers-Lowie, journalism adviser at Portage High, said Emily is amazing.
"Students at Portage like and respect Emily because she is a hard worker and always has a positive attitude," Deavers-Lowie said. "She is passionate about Portage High School, and seeing its students have a good time is important to her. Students know that they can trust Emily, and they find her very approachable.”
Emily’s favorite subject in school is English because she enjoys reading and writing. Although she wants to minor in journalism, Emily aspires to be an emergency room physician. She wants to “have that defining moment where you know that what you did saved someone’s life.”
“She’s a good kid, very active and responsible,” said Kari Evans, Emily’s mother.
Emily’s father, Christopher, said the family enjoys being involved with Emily.
“Emily is involved in a lot of things and goes full force whether it’s the school play, student council or Honor Society," he said.
The Kiwanis Student Spotlight is provided by the Portage Kiwanis Club and the Portage Parent Network.