Last spring EmilyKollaritsch traveled to Lansing to talk with State Senator Michael Bishop about the importance of recognizing accomplishments of the hearing-impaired and deaf.
After several more trips to Lansing and some governmental red tape, Emily’s goal was realized. The State Senate passed Lake Orion High School Senate Resolution No. 219 which proclaimed Sept. 20 to 28 as Deaf Awareness week.
Emily is a sophomore at LOHS this year. She’s an honors student with a 3.86 GPA and loves dancing.
Since second grade Emily has been hearing-impaired but says that her hearing loss doesn’t interfere with being a normal high school kid.
‘It’s hard for some people with disabilities to face society. Some of them hide,? she noted in her reasons for advocating the deaf and hearing-impaired.
‘This will show how they’re like everyone else.?
Communicating for Emily isn’t a problem. At school her teachers use headsets that trasnmit their voices into a device near her ear.
‘And I just picked up lip reading,? she said.
Emily’s dad, Joe admitted that everyday routines didn’t always run so smoothly.
‘Emily makes it look easy,? he said. ‘She has impressive skills that other people don’t have. Her ability to memorize things wows people.?
According to Joe, there’s never been another instance where a child was able to influence the state’s governmental process in this way.
‘This sets a permanent mark in Michigan history,? said Joe. ‘It’s something that we can celebrate every year.?
Senator Bishop says he deeply admires Emily’s commitment.
‘She reflects the pure power of committment and has never let her disability deter her from improving the lives of those around her,? he said.
Emily was able to attend the meeting when Senator Bishop presented the resolution. And though guests are not allowed on the senate floor, Bishop introduced her to the room from the balcony.
‘The whole house saw me,? she said.
After graduation Emily wants to find a career in government.
‘I want to use my decisions to help change the world,? she said.