From the sideline of the football field on Friday nights to Room 224 designing yearbook spreads, valedictorian Emma McClane kept herself busy, but also found time to focus on her academics.
“[My greatest struggle as a student was] balancing my time between yearbook, cheer, academics and other clubs and still managing to spend time with my friends and get some sleep,” McClane said.
McClane stayed involved as the editor-in-chief for the Legend yearbook, a varsity cheerleader, Garden Club Vice President, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Math Club and Always Wear Your Seatbelt Club.
“My favorite class was yearbook,” McClane said. “The skills and information I learned in yearbook have already proven to be things that will benefit me a lot in college and in whatever job I chose.”
McClane began yearbook as freshman and became the first person to be on staff for all four years. In these years, she earned three Gold Crowns, three Pacemakers, and another prestigious award.
“[My biggest achievement during high school is] winning first place for Theme Development for last years yearbook,” McClane said.
“My favorite class was yearbook,” McClane said. “The skills and information I learned in yearbook have already proven to be things that will benefit me a lot in college and in whatever job I chose.”
After high school, McClane decided to major in Business Administration with a minor in German Language at the University of Florida.
“My dream job is to do something in marketing or sales management. I’d kill for a job at an international advertising firm or an international publication where I could travel and work on analytics or client management,” McClane said.
Not only did McClane learn life skills in yearbook, but she experienced some of her favorite memories with her publication family.
“[My fondest memory is] celebrating anything and everything possible in yearbook,” McClane said. “Whenever there’s a birthday or someone accomplishes something we all listen to ‘Celebrate’ and have cake. It’s always a good time.”
In her free time, McClane likes to run, sleep, shop, hang out with her family and friends, and watch Harry Potter movies.
“[My favorite movie is] any Harry Potter movie because my dream school is Hogwarts and Hermione is my idol,” McClane said.
McClane learned from the experiences in club activities and also the determination it took to become valedictorian.
“It takes a lot of dedication and motivation. You have to really want it for yourself and be willing to do what it takes to achieve the A.” Sometimes that means coming after school for extra credit or studying until 3 a.m. or even saying no to going out with friends when you know you have to get your work done. When you want something bad enough and you keep that end goal in mind, it allows you to push yourself and stay positive,” McClane said.