At the 33rd annual Paul Robeson Youth Achievement Awards, Samuel Emery represented Bernardsville Middle School as an Achievement in Scholarship nominee. Held on April 11, 2024, at Raritan Valley Community College, the ceremony celebrated high-achieving African American students in the areas of scholarship, athletics, the arts, and community service. Making an investment in our young people is critical, now more than ever; support for that statement was evidenced by how many were in attendance to celebrate the 46 young scholars from Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
Event host Rhonda Stewart, from the Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Social Justice, spoke of Robeson’s excellence. She emphasized his refusal to let people set limits on his talents, and despite the discrimination he faced, Robeson demonstrated that through education and commitment to personal values, progress can be made. RVCC President Michael McDonough praised the nominees, urging them to push the boundaries, to discover themselves, and to shape the world in their own character. The keynote speaker, a former Paul Robeson Award nominee herself, addressed the audience enthusiastically on the theme of striving for excellence. Through her empowering speech, Tiana Joy Jackson touched upon points such as setting goals, preventing burnout, pursuing personal happiness, the willingness to adjust, and the necessity of having an honest inner circle of people whose opinions offer value.
Literacy teacher Pat McMillan nominated Samuel for the Paul Robeson Youth Achievement Award, recognizing his strengths in multiple areas. “Samuel is a young Renaissance man, cut from the same cloth as Robeson,” said McMillan. “He sings and dances on stage, plays the trumpet, and is a starter for both BMS basketball and baseball teams. He helps others through his hours of community service and is an active member of the BMS Culture & Climate Committee.” Samuel is focused on positive changes that will benefit his peers. SHSD Theater Director Lynn Weltler shared that Samuel has had roles in the following theater performances over the past three years, including summer sessions: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Seussical; The Jungle Book; SpongeBob the Musical; Legally Blonde; High School Musical; and Alice in Wonderland. His teamwork and high energy are constants. Nominated in the area of scholarship for his high academic marks, which earned him the Millicent Fenwick Award in 2023, Samuel Emery is worthy of consideration for displaying excellence in the remaining domains, too: athletics, arts, and community service.
As Team 7 leader and Samuel's Math teacher Annie O’Halloran explained, “I see that Samuel's peers look to him in times of stress or trouble. To illustrate this, Samuel is the go-to student for asking questions before an assessment. The majority of student heads will spotlight Samuel, who does not disappoint; he will always advocate for, and cheer up his peers.” It is clear that Samuel Emery is a force within the Somerset Hills School District, and many at Bernardsville Middle School and throughout the community acknowledge his drive and determination.