Emily’s Bio
Emily has been part of the Noorthoek Academy family for 20 years. She loves to learn and experience new things and is especially interested in exploring different cultures. Emily is a talented artist and has a goal to turn her artwork into a business. She is proud to have defeated many odds and accomplished things that people doubted she would ever do. Emily received her honorary degree from Grand Rapids Community College in 2025.
Emily’s Poetry
A Spring Day
Green grass outside
Frogs croaking.
Grasshoppers chirping.
A green fish named Bubble is in the pond.
Wind blowing through the pine trees.
I pick up a three leaf clover and
Remember St. Patrick’s Day.
An Artist's Grief
A world without color
is a world without rainbows.
Shades of gray and black.
I would miss the bright yellow of daisies,
the ruby red of apples and strawberries.
A world without color
for an artist like me
would be sad
and confusing.
Without rain,
there can be no rainbow.
A Painted Rainbow
Red, yellow, and orange tulips
paint a rainbow of colors.
Flower angels watching over the field.
Honey bees are buzzing
seeking sweet pollen.
Butterflies kiss my cheeks
filling me with laughter.
The sun peeks out over the gray clouds.
Little drops of rain gently fall down
washing away the past.
Always Be Kind
My family is my greatest support
cheering me on in everything I do.
I try hard in school.
I try hard at dance.
I try to be the best that I can be.
It’s good to remember,
we all have ups and downs.
Always be kind.
Scent of Winter
I see the pine trees.
It smells like winter.
Fresh water and crisp air.
Sitting on the rocks,
I see a wolf looking up
to the stars and moon.
My favorite dream.
Spring is a Breeze
Spring is a breeze through the trees.
Happiness is watching
little children
swaying on a swing,
gliding through the trees
like birds
soaring through the leaves.
Heroes at Home
My fluffy furry friends are heroes to me.
Whether I’m happy or sad,
they know just what I need.
Always seeing the good.
Cheering me up.
Heroes at home.
Puppy Love
When I was a puppy,
I loved you with my whole heart.
Feelings of sadness when you are away at work.
Once you return, my tail wags as I lick your happy tears.
Feels like home when we are together.
I am loved!
Alaskan Dream
The snow on the ground
makes me feel colder.
I am a hunter.
When I see an animal coming
I pick up my gun.
Polar bears are fierce.
It's good to be ready.
In the mountains,
goats travel along
the highest peaks.
Water falls down the sides,
puddling on a frozen pond.
A male wolf and his mate
proudly watch their cubs
romp and slide on the ice.
I want to live here,
in nature.
I want to hunt and fish,
use tools to build a home.
My heart sings with joy
as I knit my soul into the fabric
of this wild and rugged land.
Full of Life
A rainbow forms above the waterfall
and hangs in curtains before the trees.
Sun shines through the spray of
water splashing onto ageless rocks.
My heart is pounding.
I am thrilled and full of life.
I follow the stream to the beach.
Coming upon the sounds of people talking.
Parents with their babies,
couples laughing and kids playing.
The waves drumming against the shore
swell with the beating of my heart.
I am glad to be alive and well.
My Friend Bear
Four paws,
cold nose.
Wakes me every morning
with a smile and happy purrs.
A nice greeting.
His name is Bear the Cat.
He is a sweet guy.
Sled Dog Spirit
Trust your heart.
Trust your animals.
Trust yourself and
your family.
Love your neighbor.
Love others
most of all.
Gifts
Thank you God
for the breath you gave me.
Thank you for a roof over my head,
food and drink for my body.
Thank you for my job of 15 years.
I have family and friends that love me.
Thank you for teachers who care
and animals and pets to nurture.
The blessings of my life
are rich and many.
I count these gifts every day.
Crafting a Happy World
Fashioning tiny hats for babies
and warm, soft quilts for veterans.
Pouring my love into each piece,
warming hearts along the way.
Stepping forth for my community.
Crafting a happier world.