Age: 14
Parents' names: Glenn and Kathy Van Loan.
Favorite class: Language arts. "I've just always liked to read and write," Emily said.
Activities in school: She is editor of arts and entertainment for her online school newspaper, the Knight Star. She also is Student Council secretary, and this year, Emily was assistant coach of the school's volleyball team. She also serves as a volunteer at her school's Thursday Mass.
Activities outside of school: Emily is involved in musical theater, and she volunteers at the Tucson Children's Museum, where she helps guide activities and answer questions.
Whom would you have lunch with if you could have lunch with anyone? "My Pappy," Emily said. She described Pete Raskob, her late maternal grandfather, as having a huge influence on her. "He helped me learn a lot."
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What book are you reading now? "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry.
Whom do you admire most? Emily chose her parents. "They're always helpful and really understanding," she said. "They basically just support me in everything I do."
What's your favorite song? "Fearless" by Taylor Swift.
Plans after high school: "I plan to go to college, hope to continue with musical theater and study English," Emily said.
Dream job: Being an actress on Broadway. "I just really like the theater," Emily said.
Dream car: Any environmentally friendly car.
Favorite place in Tucson: CYT Tucson, a Christian Youth Theater after-school program that Emily has been involved with for three years.
Hidden talents: Singing, dancing, acting, horseback riding, reading and writing.
Vouch: Emily is a hardworking student and "overall spectacular human being," said her older brother, Tim Van Loan. "Her dedication displayed in academics can also be seen in the many activities she participates in."
Lourdes Medrano
