North Fork’s Learners of the Month recognized

Emma StedmanNorth Fork Vision is proud to recognize Emma Stedman and Rowen Michelsen as Learners of the Month.

Emma Stedman

What does Emma Stedman do that is different from other students in Delta County? Well, her list is long. Emma is a senior in the Vision Home and Community Program in Paonia. She has a full-time job at the Flying Fork, lives on her own and is currently taking five classes through Vision. She also teaches three youth dance classes at the Blue Sage in Paonia and is a member of Student Council.

Emma has been in the Vision program for eight years. She has always had a passion for dance and two years ago decided to pursue going to a performance arts college prep school called the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California. Emma was accepted into the dance department where she had four hours in preparatory college classes and 4 1/2 hours of dance five days a week. "The classes were intense and I studied ballet, point, jazz, tap and modern dance," Emma said. She is currently taking her senior seminar class and plans to present her own choreographic piece at the senior showcase in the spring.

"I wanted to bring dance back to our community and give back to the kids. I was fortunate to have a lot of support but especially from the Cocker Kids' Foundation. They helped me with several of my dance camps when I was little and also helped me with my scholarship to Idyllwild Arts Academy. They have been really helpful with my dreams and that has meant so much to me."

Next year Emma would like to take a year and travel in a work program which would allow her to experience and capture dance in different cultures with film and photography. Then she would like to pursue a college degree in dance. She is also thinking about a degree in early childhood psychology. "Kids really inspire me in my life," she said. Her long-term goal is to start a non-profit performing arts center for teens. Emma is the daughter of Christy Toohey and Greg Stedman.

Rowan MichelsenRowan Michelsen

Rowan Michelson, 15, is a sophomore this year. He was nominated by his environmental science teacher, Christi Gubser. She stated, "Rowan is engaged in class, brings multiple perspectives and truly cares about the topics being discussed. He is growing into his skin, being himself, finding his own character and being a leader with his peers. Rowan brings a good attitude and a desire to learn and cares about others."

Rowan commented, "I have an overall better attitude about school. I am improving my writing skills because writing has become more important to me. I am working on my grammar and penmanship and just writing more. My attendance has improved greatly from last year. School is not fun if you are not enjoying it. I realize I need to do the work and not complain. Doing something, rather than nothing, is good work."

Rowan loves snowboarding and long boarding. He has been snowboarding since he was 9. Rowan would like to pursue being a theater director and producing plays. This is Rowan's second year as a North Fork Vision student. He is the son of Alicia and Matt Michelson.

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