Emily Powers Article (NY)

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http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs ... 10376/1121


Rockland Scholar-Athlete: Pearl River senior Emily Powers
By MATTHEW NG
THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: December 31, 2005)

For most Pearl River students, the 40 hours of required community service for graduation is a chore. For Emily Powers it isn't, her community service is a family affair.

"My parents set the ultimate example, with their involvement community service projects," said Powers, a Pearl River senior and this week's Rockland Scholar Athlete of the Week.

Her parents are very involved helping organize "The Race for The Cure", which raises money for cancer research. Powers followed her parents' example and spearheaded the Pearl River High School's effort for the race.

Pearl River Girls Soccer coach Tim Peabody said, "You hope every player you coach has the personal qualities Emily has that help them in life."

Her other community service projects include refereeing youth soccer leagues and helping organize the Pearl River Soap Box Derby.

Powers was a midfielder and a captain on a Pearl River team that went 14-4-1, winning a league title.

"Emily was a big reason why we did so well," said Peabody, "As a captain she stood up a pushed them as a group, and gave the team self-confidence."

As a midfielder, Powers played a huge role distributing the ball, starting their offense. What gets lost the shuffle is her defensive play; Powers usually draws the toughest assignments covering their opponents' best scoring threats. The Pirates finished their regular season on an eight-game winning streak, where their stifling defense limited only allowed six goals during the run.

"In the beginning of the season we didn't know how good we were," Powers said, "Beating Tappan Zee at home was huge and we played much better at the end of the season."

The accomplished soccer player also pole vaults for the Pirates. The last two years she's been named to the first team all-county and all-section for both winter and spring track seasons.

"Pole vault takes a lot of practice, after the first time I tried it, it was so thrilling I enjoyed it," said Powers.

What is more impressive about Powers' achievements is that she is an exceptional student. Her 96 average while taking advanced placement courses is fifth best in her senior class.

Powers said, "I am really happy with my academic standing, because it shows that my hard work has paid off."

She is a member of the National Honor Society, Model UN, the French Club, and the Math team.

Powers was already accepted at Providence College and Villanova University. Her parents instilled into her the idea that academics come first, even in her college selection process.

Peabody said, "She's a very self-motivated young woman, which reflects on how well her parents raised her."