This past February, Senior Emily Monk got a $15,000 scholarship given by the Texas Music Educators Association.

TMEA supports the future of music education by giving out scholarships and supporting other musical organizations.

Principal Mark Mimms received the acceptance letter and later notified the cellist about her big achievement.

“I was very flattered that I was accepted because I know there were a lot of applicants and it was very competitive,” Monk said.

This is not the first time Monk has been recognized.

“I received the Music Scholars Award for the past three years and I’ve also been involved in All-State and All-Region throughout high school,” Monk said.

Orchestra Director Mary Balkema said that Monk’s leadership qualities stand out.

“Emily is different from other cello players because she has the leadership skills and being a senior absolutely helps. She practices her music at home which is really helpful when leading others,” said Balkema.

Balkema has been teaching her for four years now and helped her with the application process.

“[She] notified me that they were giving out scholarships for TMEA and helped me,” said Monk.

Her passion for playing the cello didn’t begin this year.

“When I was in the third grade we were offered the chance to pick out [a] string instrument and I just really liked the cello,” Monk said.

She will continue to play it while teaching other students about music education in the future.

“Music has a lot of benefits both academically because it’s been proven that people who are involved with music are better in other subjects in school and I think it’s really important to meet new people through orchestra,” Monk said.

Mrs. Balkema said she is privileged to be teaching someone who has Monk’s drive.

“It’s a great honor to teach somebody like this who has enough vision for ensuring her success for her future,” Balkema said.