Going at a gallop
story by Teresa O'Brien Nguyen
Living the life of a seventh-grader can be a full-time job – and then some.
Emily Reed, 12, rises before the light of day, catches the yellow schoolbus, and then hoists a trombone to rehearse, over and over all before 9 a.m. And that's just the beginning of a 12-hour marathon that stretches from classrooms to cross-country practice, to after-dinner homework.
"She is in so many different activities that she doesn't fall into a clique, and she is friendly with everyone," says Stephen Keys, Bondurant Middle School band and music teacher.
Bondurant visual arts teacher Jennifer Sexton calls Emily a creative person who thinks outside the box.
Despite the energy she pours into her schoolwork and activities, Emily loves meeting people, especially those who are "nice and funny."
Although both she and her twin brother, Kyle, share hectic lifestyles, she wishes they chilled out more together. And there are the usual preteen quirks: a vibrant pink bedroom, girl-power T-shirts and a contagious giggle.
Frankfort preteen, Emily Reed (third from left), practices on the trombone, just one of the activities she juggles in her jam-packed schedule.
Emily takes to the hills for cross-country practice.
Emily and brother, Kyle, wait for the school bus at the beginning of a day that extends well into the evening.
Emily devotes much of her time to studies at Bondurant Middle School in Frankfort, on top of homework, hobbies and athletics.
Twins, Emily and Kyle, tussle during down-time in a classroom they share. She wishes her busy day allowed them more time together.
Emily spends a quiet moment with her dog, Cleo.
Emily and stepfather, Shawn Daniel, draw a bead on a target. Archery is one of her athletic interests along with running track.
Emily pantomimes on an air guitar and dances to Queen.
Kyle shares a must-see episode of Gravity Falls with Emily before bedtime.