Galax High School track and field athlete Emily Edwards signed on with Appalachian State University in a small but festive ceremony on March 18.
Edwards is attending on a partial scholarship for track and field participants.
She has won numerous awards for shot putting and made GHS history this year when she won the Track and Field 1A State Championship with a 40.5’ throw.
She also received a special commendation plaque from the Virginia House of Delegates via Del. Wren Williams, for being named Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Student Athlete of the Year.
Several of her coaches, her boyfriend and his family, and her own family were on hand to witness the moment in the GHS library.
“It’s just a real honor for Emily and shows her perseverance and hard work she’s put into shot put and track and field in general, her work ethic,” said Principal Charles Byrd.
He continued, “As a student athlete, she’s just impeccable. She’s a tremendous student in the classroom, she’s a tremendous athlete on the field. Most importantly, she’s a great person. I can’t say enough good things about Emily. She’s a remarkable young lady and she’s going to do a lot of great things at Appalachian State.”
Her father, Kevin Edwards, said he was proud of his daughter. “She’s self made — she depends on a lot of people, but she does a lot of extra work and it pays off for her.”
Edwards’ offer came through in the form of a phone call when she was — naturally — on her way back from another sports event, a basketball game in Narrows.
Of course, she took the call; and of course, she accepted the offer.
