Students walk past hundreds of their peers on any given day; oblivious to each other’s hidden talents and accomplishments. People walk past Junior Emily Ethington in the halls everyday, blind to the fact that she may be one of the most brilliant scientific minds, not just in the community, but in the nation.

After qualifying for a program through the Goethe Institut, Emily applied along with 150 other students to be recognized nationally as 1 in 12 of the most academically advanced in the field of science. These 12 students were treated to an all expense paid trip to Germany earlier this November.

Emily learned about this opportunity through her Chemistry class and decided to apply. She submitted her science fair project to the Goethe Institut in Chicago and was selected soon after. Emily describes the winners in the best way possible saying, “It’s some of the top young scientists from America.”

During their nine days in Germany, these students visited universities, science labs, and a German high school. “Overall, it was a really great experience because we got to learn, and see, and do so much that we just don’t have here,” Emily explains.

Emily’s intellectual abilities do not stop at science, however, as she is juggling four AP classes and tied for first in the Junior class.

Her sister, Maddie Ethington, explains her investment in academics is one that cannot go unnoticed. “Emily is an extremely dedicated student that always, always, always strives to do her best. She’s fantastic at thinking on her feet and managing a ton of responsibility,” Maddie says.

Emily explains her strive for success is all to open herself up to opportunities. “I really want to get into a really good college, like right now I want to go to either BYU or Cornell University,” she says.

Being advanced in science, Emily find passion in it and envisions it as a future career for herself. “I’m not sure exactly what I want to go into, but I know I want to do Chemistry. So that’s kind of my end goal, to get there and to get my degree,” she adds.

Despite Emily’s full plate of academics, she is still actively involved and helping in her community. “She contributes countless hours of service and cares deeply about others,” Maddie explains.

In addition, Emily has held leadership positions at her church and is currently the band’s Brass Captain. Band director Brandon Kiesgen describes her as a natural leader, “I think she doesn’t have to try to get people to listen to her; she does a great job leading by example.”

Emily explains she does it simply to better herself and her community, “Like for band, I want to make everyone’s experience as good as possible. I just want to do the best that I can.”

Those who know Emily explain her genius comes from her unique personality. “Emily is both intelligent and creative, which is a rare combination, but a key in success,” explains Maddie.

“Emily is just full of energy and passion…everybody just really likes her personality and gets along with it,” adds Kiesgen.

Emily’s creative mind and constant drive give many the idea that her future is destined to hold success. “I have no doubt that in her future she will be able to follow whatever path she chooses and will find a way to be successful,” Maddie states.

A brilliant mind like Emily’s is one that can no longer go unnoticed by the peers she passes in the halls and seen by not only her school, but by the nation.