Emilio Holden

My high school journey has been anything but easy. I have dealt with issues of mental health, physical health, and even familial issues. Throughout the last four years, I have done everything I can to consistently move up. Though I have never been the best at typical studies, like math, I have always pushed myself even if I knew that I wouldn't be the best in the room. I have spent the majority of my time here in the Fine Arts Academy. I have participated in theatre, choir, speech, and debate for as long as I can remember. I am now considered a veteran in this academy and try to use my knowledge to encourage younger students to join it. There is no shame in being an arts kid, and there's lots of opportunity surrounding it.

Over time I have gained lots of leadership roles. I am: Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) President, the Tri-M Music Honor Society President, The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) President for Piper, the Choir Board Vice President, A Student Council Senior Representative, and a student member of the Piper Educational Foundation Board. Over time I have tried to give myself and others opportunities to give a piece of themselves to the community.

My achievements are probably the most difficult for me to talk about. My senior year especially has been a year to highlight. We've just been told that our Production of "Sister Act" has been nominated for 5 Blue Star Awards (Kansas High School Theatre Awards). During Sister Act, I was offered a $15,000 scholarship for Musical Theatre. I have been in the Kansas NE district honor choir two years in a row. I am currently the tenor section leader in the choir and I work as Mrs. Cole's student director. I qualified for a national forensics tournament my freshman year and have since qualified for state my Junior and Senior years. My choral achievements are a part of myself that has made me who I am. I hope to continue to foster that in others with my Degree in Music Education at KU.