The Burke County Public Schools Board of Education gathered at George Hildebrand Elementary School for a special meeting on Monday night to honor an East Burke High School student for her commitment to the community.
Emily Shuford, a freshman at EBHS, works diligently to serve her community in many ways and has dedicated countless hours of service to support a cause that’s dear to her heart. After her own diagnosis, Shuford began raising funds to support Kidney Disease awareness and research.
Because of her unyielding commitment to service, Shuford was recently selected to receive an engraved bronze medallion as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Justin Long, on behalf of Prudential Financial, presented the medallion to her at the school board meeting on Monday night.
Shuford’s largest project has been the “Princess with a Purpose” Pageant — an official preliminary pageant of the North Carolina Royalty System that encourages girls in the area to give back. Shuford and her family organized and directed the third annual PWAP pageant in November 2013 to support Rising Hope Farms — a faith-based charitable organization and equestrian facility that offers therapeutic riding.
After completing an application last fall, Shuford was chosen by state-level judges as a PSCA Distinguished Finalist for her outstanding volunteer work.
Based on the number of volunteer hours indicated on her application, she also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and received personal letters of recognition from many state and federal government officials, including President Barack Obama.
Shuford said she enjoys giving back to her community because she knows how important it is to help those in need.
“A lot of people don’t give back,” she said. “But everybody needs help.”
Despite the attention she has received lately from state and federal leaders, Shuford remains humble and appreciative that her work has inspired her peers to get involved.
