When you walk through the halls of Enloe, you might pass walls filled with artwork. You might pass posters for chorus concerts, or see flyers for the Academy of Creative Design. You might even see printed newspapers being passed around in the halls, crosswords half-filled and comics lining every page. Ever wondered who’s behind it all? Wherever you go at Enloe, the handiwork of Emma Sluder is all around you.
Emma participates in almost all of the art forms that Enloe has to offer, whether they are sketching an award-winning painting of a dog, behind a computer hard at work for the Academy of Creative Design, or singing with the Chamber Treble choir. As Printing Head of The Eagle’s Eye, Emma was the leading effort for all physical issues published over the past 2 years. They arrange and design the paper, bringing the work of The Eagle’s Eye to a physical medium. Emma has a similar passion for music, as they are a member of Enloe’s Chamber Treble Choir and Music Honor Society. Longtime friend Mars Mathers commented, “They can beatbox too, [they’re] just very multi-talented in many ways.”
Despite being part of so many artistic endeavors, Emma still makes time to be an academic powerhouse. “They’re a great student,” said Mars. “They can always explain something to me if I need it, they try really hard in school, and they always know what’s going on.” This effort bleeds back into Emma’s creative work. “In graphic design and editing videos and stuff, they have what really looks like a natural talent of ‘just do it,’ and it’s so easy for them.”
Still, silliness is a pillar in Emma’s personality. “I just know that if I need a laugh, I can always go to Emma and I will feel much better,” said friend Claire Michnowicz. They are always willing to burst into song or reference a niche inside joke, and they are constantly on the lookout for ways to spice up and connect deeper with any situation they are in. One of Emma’s lovable antics took place in their junior year AP Environmental Science class, “her and Sophie Engel used to have a competition on a weekly basis [on] who could bring in the most bizarre thing to class,” said Mr. Ogren, one of her former teachers. “One day, Emma came in with a whole kiddie car and was driving it around in class!”
“Emma just cares really deeply about everybody, and really wants to show up as the best person they can to people,” said Mars. “I feel like that really comes through in the niche gifts that they get people, or little texts that they send checking in on people.” From one-of-a-kind clothing items to exterior car decorations, Emma always has an eye for the perfect gifts for their friends.
Emma once got her friend Maggie Walas a wooden stick used to coax worms out of the ground to fish with, referred to as a worm summoner by Maggie. “It wasn’t my birthday, it wasn’t anything. They just thought I needed it, and I did,” said Maggie regarding the out-of-the-blue gift. “They’re always the first person to check in on me. Thoughtful is probably the best word to describe Emma,” Maggie added. “I think Emma is genuinely the most selfless person I’ve ever met. They just prioritize making sure that everybody around them is happy and content,” added Evie Hammer. “It’s such a pure trait. They’re the only person I know who is always 100% genuine.”
If you know Emma, you know about their endless love for dogs. Emma has had pet dogs for her entire life and pours her heart into taking care of them. Emma combines their love for art and animals through working with organizations like Freedom Ride Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue. Here, Emma volunteers at their weekend events photographing, transporting dogs, and most distinctly, drawing 2-dollar, 5-minute portraits of dogs. Emma originated this idea, supporting the rescue and bringing joy to dog owners, whether they had just lost a pet or adopted one.
One of Emma’s first times helping with animals was through an internship at Shepherd Youth Ranch, a therapeutic horse farm. Emma discovered this organization through The Academy of Creative Design as an opportunity to help out with their social media and newsletter. “I was so happy for her, it was something that I really thought would be a good fit,” said the coordinator of ACD, Mrs Spruill, after learning that Emma got the internship. “She was excited about it, and so was I. I teared up when I got that message.”
Mrs. Spruill describes Emma as “someone who can quickly get projects done,” deeming her a member of her dream team. “When I have something that I need designed really quickly, or if there’s a project, I say, ‘Hey, does anybody want to work on this project?’ She is usually a part of that little group that gets those things done.” Mrs. Spruill adds, “Gosh, I think whatever she tries to do, she’ll succeed. She surprises me all the time.” From arranging The Enloe Literary Organization’s annual magazine to designing T-Shirts for Enloe Chorus and creating posters for Oak City Music Collective, Emma uses their skills for graphic design and art in numerous impactful ways around Enloe and the community.
In the future, Emma plans to use their vibrant energy and kindness to brighten the lives of those around them by opening their own non-profit dog rescue. We wish our beloved Printing Head the best of luck as they go to NC State to pursue a major in Veterinary Science. Go Pack!
