Emma Grace Spencer '20, a student at The Dunham School since the first grade, was selected as Salutatorian for the Class of 2020.

During her high school career, Emma completed 12 Honors courses, 3 Dual Enrollment courses and 6 Advanced Placement courses, ending her academic career at Dunham with an extraordinary 4.40 grade point average. She has also been named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction.

"The best lesson I have learned in the Dunham classroom is to listen. This is not only applied In our Harknesses, but also in lectures, debates, and projects'" said Emma. "I learned not only to listen and respect my peers, but also to listen and respect my own ideals while finding my voice."

Emma served as Chapel Prefect during her senior year while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule, often going well beyond what was expected of her. A member of the National Honor Society and the Institute of Leadership, she also competed at the district and state levels of Literary Rally.

During her high school career, Emma was actively involved with Friends of the Mac, the Quiz Bowl Team, the Praise Band, the Latin Club and Beta Club, serving as the club's president this year. She also competed with the Upper School Choir for two years to earn a Superior rating at the State Festival. In addition, Emma was a four-year softball letterman and a varsity cheerleader.

"I hope I am leaving behind a legacy of love - not just loving others and yourself, but also God. I tried to show the love of Christ through smiles in the hallway, devotionals for the week, and in one on one interactions with classmates," Emma said.  "I want students to know that the key to finding purpose and growing is by first finding your love in God. He will then help you fill in all of the gaps to loving yourself and others. I hope that my legacy was one of a girl who truly loved God and that she in turn loved others and herself effectively."

This fall, Emma plans to attend Louisiana State University Honors College to pursue a major in Psychology with a minor in Mass Communications. She has received scholarship offers totaling over $427,000.

"The most precious gift that Dunham has given to me is the lifelong memories and relationships I have formed during my years here," she said. "Dunham has given me such a supportive community and foundation for my faith for my years to come. I will truly always have a home on campus and forever be a Tiger."

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