By Kevin Lantz

Ema Herald is a junior at Hooker High School in Oklahoma. She is a member of the track team, where she competes in four events: the 800, the 1600, the 4×800 relay and the 4×200 relay. Ema loves to run because it allows her to get away from it all. “Some people listen to music, some read books, I run,” she says, “Completing a workout makes me feel good about myself. Whether it be a short two mile run or a long one of six miles.”

Last fall, Ema tore her ACL. She had to have complete reconstructive surgery and had to learn simple tasks all over again, like walking up a flight of stairs. It was a long and difficult recovery, but Ema was determined to get back to running. “Motivation is a drive,” she says. “It’s all just talk if you don’t do anything about it.” Ema says that her dad tells her to run like she is the third monkey running for the ark and it is starting to rain.

Ema’s sophomore year, Hooker won the Class 2A state championship. It was an amazing feeling, and Ema is determined to help the team win again this year. Her favorite subject in school is history because of all the interesting stories. She is involved in Future Farmers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, 4-H, Baptist Youth Group, and also runs for the cross country team. She wants to compete at the college level in long distance running and become a physical therapist. Her choice of which school to attend is still undecided.

Ema is a driven and determined young woman. She is an inspiration to her teammates and her community. She is a role model for young girls everywhere who want to achieve their dreams.