Senior dances her way into life with big plans, determination to accomplish them
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSenior Emma Hackler started her second semester freshman year in high school as a stranger. She moved from a small town in Texas. Luckily for her, the size of Sainty did not scare her, but instead it was the adjustment of a new high school.
“It was really scary at first, but everyone was so kind and accepting,” said Hackler. “I soon found out that I had nothing to worry about.”
Hackler adjusted well to her new life and found a great love for dance the summer before her sophomore year. She first started dance outside of school with Dance Coach Killy Hilt before joining the SFCHS Dance team as Co-Captain.
“Emma is a fun loving teammate who cares about each of them and wants them to do their absolute best,” said Hilt. “She always gives me 100 percent even when she is sick and tired. She is a leader and knows how to get her team together.”
Hackler said she has become much more confident and has grown as a person through her time with her dance team and coach.
“Killy has become like a second mom to me,” said Hackler. “She is so much more than just a coach, but she is a real person that truly cares. She wants to help us improve our skills as dancers, but also as human beings.”
Fellow Co-Captain, Sophomore Hadleigh Hilt commented on the great friendship they have built through dance.
“My favorite thing about Emma is her personality,” said Hadleigh. “She is always smiling and having fun. I always know I can ask her anything. She is so reliable.”
Dance has impacted Hackler and has helped her grow as a person leading up to her senior year. She said she has learned to be more open minded and less hard on herself.
“I am more accepting of my own faults and of others as well,” said Hackler.
Dance Coach Killy Hilt also commented on Hackler’s confidence.
“I hope Emma will remember all the hard work and effort she put into this team and that she really can be a confident young women,” said Killy. “I truly look up to her for everything that she is.”
Hackler is a person with big career goals. Hackler plans to attend Colorado Mesa to earn a bachelors in criminal justice. She then plans to go on to law school and someday own her own law firm.
Hackler said she has enjoyed her time as an Indian and values each friendship and memory made. She also knows that change is inevitable, but she plans to face it head-on.
“Change isn’t always a bad thing,” said Hackler. “You have to roll with the punches. You just have to learn to accept change and turn it into something great.”
