After spending 13 years at Valley Christian Academy, Emily Barranco, 17, has mixed emotions about leaving behind the nurturing environment where she began preschool and is now ending her senior year in high school.

“It's scary to move on to something new,” the Lompoc resident said, “but I'm pretty excited.”

Emily is one of 19 students who will be graduating Friday night from the school, closing out graduation season in the Santa Maria Valley.

She said she plans to study nursing at Biola University, a private Christian university in La Mirada.

“I enjoy helping others and making a difference in their lives,” she said.

Emily will be graduating in the segment of her class with a 3.89 grade point average.

On campus, she's an officer of the Red Cross Club and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). Since the seventh grade, Emily has been a soprano in the school's choir.

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Her parents immigrated from Cuba before she was born and moved to New York. They lived there until she was 3 years old, when her father's job brought the family to the West Coast.

She said her family has always been a motivational force throughout her life.

“My parents have been there encouraging me,” she said. “They always told me that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Her older sister Melissa, 19, is one of her role models. Melissa is a recent graduate of Valley Christian Academy.

“She has been someone I can look up to and she has influenced me in many ways,” she said. “She has been kind toward everybody and she never gave up on anything.”

Outside of her studies, Emily has studied karate for about 14 years and holds a brown belt.

Each summer, she has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics, doing karate demonstrations for the participants.

“When I see the joy they get out of the demonstrations, it inspires me,” she said.

Emily is also an accomplished painter, often working in acrylics. She has placed high in several art competitions at the school and throughout the state.

In 2005, she was named the young teen woman of the year by the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women.

“It was a big honor,” she said. “They appreciated my work and it was really encouraging for me to do the most for my community.”

Principal Chuck Mason said Emily is highly respected among all the students, and through her hard work and dedication, she has been a great Christian example on campus.

“She has a tender heart for Christ and for people,” he said. “She's a very bright girl and we know she has a lot of talent to be used in the future. We're proud to have her as one of our graduates.”

As she prepares to take the next step in her life, Emily said, she will be grateful for the friends she has made during her years at Valley Christian Academy and for the loving staff.

“They have been such caring individuals,” she said. “They always have the kindness to help students.”

Kimberlina Rocha can be reached at 739-2216 or krocha@

santamariatimes.com.

June 14, 2007