Emma Masterson was recognized for her national honor at Loganville Christian Academy’s Induction Ceremonies for Beta, Jr. Beta and National Honor Society on Wednesday, Oct. 2. (Photo by LCA)
Emma Masterson makes an impact throughout the hallways of Loganville Christian Academy (LCA) every day. Whether it’s excelling in her Advanced Placement (AP) courses or being an All-Region volleyball player, Masterson is a stellar Lady Lion.
All of her accomplishments have paved the way for earning an honor from the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMS). Recently, Masterson was notified that she has been named one of 34,000 National Merit Commended Students.
While Masterson, a senior, labeled it as an “honor,” there is another takeaway for her.
“Still, if anything, it has just reminded me to be grateful for the opportunities I've been given and the community surrounding me,” Masterson said.
One thing that distinguishes her, though, is her enthusiasm for tutoring fellow students on campus.
When congratulating Masterson for her recognition, Bryan White, Upper School Principal, emphasized the significance of her tutoring.
“She is undoubtedly gifted and intelligent, but what really sets her apart is her desire to see other students be successful. Emma hasn't hidden her gifts away, but rather uses them to support and equip others for success,” White said. “She tutors a number of other students and is equally excited to see them thrive in the classroom as she is when she does. We are proud of Emma and her accomplishments, but even more so because she is a young woman who leads with character and integrity. Her future is bright and we can't wait to see all of the amazing things the Lord does in and through her in the years to come.”
NMS categorized the character of students recognized as those who show “exceptional academic promise and have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success.”
Masterson has demonstrated just that in numerous ways.
First, Masterson is enrolled in many Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Of all the courses, Masterson labeled the AP Chemistry and US Government courses as the ones she is most proud of. They’re online classes and she’s taught herself a good portion.
However, the classes Masterson has learned the most from is AP US History with Mrs. Kristin Bailey and PreCalculus/Calculus with Mr. James Schaffer.
Masterson highlighted both teachers’ impact saying, “I truly cannot overstate their ability to teach.”
“My comfort in this uncertainty is that I know God has good plans that he has been preparing me for through all the hardship that life brings”
Outside of the classroom, Masterson is heavily involved in extracurricular activities at LCA and beyond.
Masterson spends a lot of her time volunteering with her church and playing pickleball. In fact, she plans to join the LCA pickleball club this winter sports season.
At LCA, Masterson has been a volleyball player for the past four years. In her career, Masterson is a three-time region champion and, this season, she was named an All-Region player.
She serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta and is on the Student Leadership Team for FCA along with her tutoring.
But Masterson doesn’t do any of this alone. She acknowledged that she has a strong support system.
“I've been so blessed in that I'm surrounded by people who encourage me and push me. My parents and my siblings have been my best friends and biggest supporters since I can remember,” Masterson said. “Mrs. Bailey, Mr. Schaffer, and Mrs. [Jennifer] Smith have pushed me in my understanding of history, English, and math, but more importantly, they have been a safe space and a listening ear when I needed it. Lastly, Ean and Lillie Snell, along with Journey Church, have molded me and shaped me into the person I am today, and reminded me I do nothing apart from God.”
Masterson is in the middle of the college application process currently and has been accepted to the University of Georgia’s dual enrollment.
Though her specific future plans are unclear, Masterson aspires to work with children in some capacity whether through teaching or psychology.
Despite future plans not being certain right now, Masterson has assurance through her faith.
“My comfort in this uncertainty is that I know God has good plans that he has been preparing me for through all the hardship that life brings,” Masterson said.
