Mornings With Emma

Sophomore Emma Ventura was in the library taking her math unit test like everyone else, when administrator Stuart Hamill came in with an exciting proposition. Originally worried that she was being called in for causing trouble, she was soon put at ease when handed a blue post-it note requesting her to be at the office at 10:43AM, five minutes before nutrition ends. The note stated she had an audition to be Paso Robles High School’s (PRHS) Student Morning Announcer.

 “This could be a really big thing for me because I could get myself involved a lot when it comes to morning announcements.” Outside of school, Ventura has been competitively dancing at Main Street Dance Company for 11 years, preferably dancing contemporary and hip hop pieces. In her spare time, she trains to be a counselor through the outsiders camp program. This role means she helps kids grow a closer relationship with God. 

Due to this new adjustment, Ventura’s schedule has required some minor changes. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, after her first period of the day, Ventura walks directly to the office. Wednesdays and Thursdays are slightly different. After Ventura completes her first period of the day, she has all of nutrition to eat and hang out with friends. When the bell then rings at 10:24AM for all PRHS students to go to their tutorial class, Ventura walks the other way, heading in the direction of the office instead. 

 ¨I think the hardest part about being morning announcements is the overall stuttering and the nervousness¨ To shake off any nerves or worries of stuttering,  Ventura makes sure to pray before speaking. After that, she presses a black button, grabs the microphone and welcomes the 175 staff members and 2,037 students of PRHS with “Good morning Bearcats! Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.” She is the voice that welcomes and gives PRHS any updates and news students and staff need to know.