Emma Phillips

A passion for animals and children drove Emma’s commitment to the Partners in Animal Welfare Services – or P.A.W.S. – program. She started as a participant and transitioned to a teen volunteer, pairing underserved children with shelter dogs, and in the process, providing healing to both. Emma used her own battle with epilepsy to fuel her service of children with special needs, as she helped disabled children learn water safety, motor skills, and social skills for Project Surf Camp. At school, this writer and actress was president of the Interact Club, president of the National Honor Society, and involved in Girls State and Girls Nation. From San Luis Obispo, California, Emma will pursue an education in neuroscience at Brown University in the fall, and hopes to one day better understand and remedy neurological disorders.