Ambassador Emma Graduates!

For the past five years I have been blessed enough to work with a program that has helped me become a stronger leader, more adept thinker, and an all-around better person. Because I have served as a National Student Ambassador, Alumni Ambassador, and Youth Council Member, I have seen this program grow from its roots. The relationships I have built and the experiences I have had are undoubtedly the most impactful parts of my young life. As I move on to graduation and finish up my time with this amazing program, I can sum up my experiences and gratitude with a series of thanks.

First, I have to thank my Dairy Council representative from SUDIA, Jill Henderson. When I was first told that I was a National Ambassador, Jill was the one who broke the news. She was my biggest supporter and mentor while I stepped into a program that was completely new waters. So, thank you Jill for your dedication to the lives of students across South West Virginia.

Next, I have a group of young people who are working night and day to improve the health of students nationwide to thank. The Fuel Up to Play 60 Youth Council is a dedicated group of my closest friends who I consider myself lucky to know. Thank you to my best friends all across the nation who has grown with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program and me.

Fuel Up to Play 60 team: thank you for inspiring me and really challenging me to grow as a leader and for making me feel like a true leader with meaningful responsibilities. GENYOUth Foundation and AdVenture Capital, thank you for being more than open to giving me opportunities to grow as a speaker, businesswoman, and as a well-connected young person.

The biggest thanks of all goes to the people behind the glamour of the program: the National Dairy Council and the NFL. But more specifically, thank you to the dairy farmers who have provided us with fuel to our passionate fires.

I know I have left out many people to whom I still am very grateful, but this program has so many helpful and influential people that it is impossible to include them all. Now as I am leaving my Fuel Up to Play 60 family I am so sad to be saying good-bye. I owe the life I live today to the experiences Fuel Up to Play 60 has offered me. However, I know for certain that I am leaving my role on the Youth Council in very capable hands.

As we have said, “Once an Ambassador, always an Ambassador.” I am Fuel Up to Play 60’s biggest cheerleader and despite graduation, I know that this isn’t my final good-bye.

Emma
Youth Council Member
12th Grade