Class of 2017: Balancing act
Finding the right schedule at eLearning Academy
Photo by Christy Ann Linder
Emily Schild, an elite gymnast and high
school senior, has had to maintain a balance
between her sport and her academics. She
trains 40 hours per week and she needed an
educational option that would accommodate
her schedule. The right fit turned out to be
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools eLearning
Academy, a full-time, virtual high school offering
students personalized and flexible learning.
There were some adjustments, however.
“It hasn’t been easy taking all my courses
online,” said Emily. “You have to be self-
motivated and be prepared for a non-traditional
experience.”
“It made me work harder,” she said.
Emily’s resilience paid off. She represented
the U.S. at t he 2015 and 2016 Jesolo Trophy
competitions and the 2015 Pan American Games,
where she won a team gold medal. Emily was
one of only 14 competitors for a spot on Team
USA in the 2016 Olympic Games. Although she
was not selected, she said she felt honored,
nonetheless.
“It was great to make it to the trials and
compete in front of thousands of people,” she
said.
Following high school graduation, Emily will
attend the University of Georgia, where she with
participate in the gymnastics program.
Emily is an all-around gymnast and
competes in floor, vault, bars and beam. Most days, she trains from 8 a.m. to
6:30 p.m. She studies at night and on Sundays. Travel for training camps and
competitions are also added to her schedule, but she still finds time to go to
the movies and spend time with friends on her one day off each week. “I’m looking forward to college life. I’ll
continue to balance my gymnastics and academics,” she said.
Emily said communication with her teachers has been particularly
helpful, especially right before she travels. Students can arrange face-to-face
meetings with their teachers, or communicate via e-mail, phone, text, Google
Hangout, Skype or other options. Principal Tracey Pickard said Emily demonstrates diligence and hard work
in everything she does.
“To be able to take online courses you have to be able to stay on task
— you can’t procrastinate,” she said. “Gymnastics has taught me mental
toughness. I bring that into my education. I’ve also had a lot of support.”
For now, her goal is to make an international assignment and be
considered for Worlds in October.
“Emily’s journey constantly reminds me how school innovation can help
students fulfill their dreams and passions,” said Pickard.
Emily was two when her mother, Maria Schild, enrolled her in a Mommy
and Me class that introduced her to gymnastics. Since then, she has had
numerous successes and won hundreds of medals. She has faced challenges,
too. In 2014, she missed the season because of a stress fracture in her left
fibula. She was sidelined for the Pan American Games in Toronto.
Honoring Holly
Community House students raise funds for foundation
The school-wide theme at Community House Middle School this year
is “It Starts with Me.” Eighth-graders Knoah Carver and Evan Pryor have
embraced it. The students approached their school leaders with an idea
to honor Holly Wade, a classmate who died last year from brain cancer,
by raising money for her foundation. Hands for Holly (handsforholly.org)
helps families caring for seriously ill or injured children at Levine Children’s
Hospital. The boys proposed a pep rally and “White Out” game in honor of
Holly. They followed through with their idea by approaching the school’s
athletic booster club with a PowerPoint describing their ideas. Evan and
Knoah created a “White Out” theme, designed T-shirts to sell for the
foundation, organized two pep rallies and contacted Holly’s mother to speak
at the day’s events. Their commitment and hard work earned $1,250 for
the foundation.
“I am so incredibly proud of these two young men,” said Community
House Principal Jamie Brooks. “When our current society is so focused on
negativity and divisiveness, Evan and Knoah brought people together in
order to show compassion for others. Many adults out there could learn
a lesson from the thoughtfulness of these students. When it comes to a
community of care, this is what it is all about. It truly does ‘Start With Me.’”
Parent Teacher Magazine • May/June 2017 • 5