Lady Hornet soccer star honored with highly-sought nursing scholarship

HONESDALE — For Honesdale High School academic and athletic standout Emma Hocker, the coronavirus pandemic proved to be a pivotal time in her young life.

The daughter of Jarrod and Samantha Hocker, Beach Lake, Emma had always excelled in the classroom. However, despite her scholastic successes, she was really unsure of what the future held.

Then came COVID and the radical reordering of all our lives. It was during the lockdown that Emma did some serious thinking about what path she might take after graduation.

She spent a great deal of time pondering the question and, after countless hours of deliberation made an admirable decision. Emma has always wanted to help people and what better way to do that than by becoming a nurse?

“I didn’t know I wanted to study nursing until the end of my junior year,” she said. “I did know that I enjoyed my science classes and basic concepts of healthcare piqued my interest.

“I also knew that giving back or helping others directly affected me in a very positive way. Knowing that nursing has many aspects, I liked that I could still keep my options open, but I’d be doing something important and something that I enjoyed.”

Prestigious Scholarship

Emma’s decision to pursue a career in nursing led to many positive developments in her life … not the least of which was being chosen for one of the area’s most prestigious awards.

Just last week it was announced that Emma would be the 2022 recipient of the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarship. This grant is reserved each year for a graduating senior at HHS who plans to enter the nursing profession.

“I’m very humbled, especially with all the hard work I had put in,” she said. “I look back on all my late nights, early mornings and everything in between to do the best I possibly could in high school, proving that it truly does pay off in the end.”

The selection is made each year by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Wayne Memorial Hospital and is based on scholastic achievement. The fund is overseen by Honesdale National Bank and local businesses leader Paul Meagher.

Emma will be attending Bloomsburg University in the fall where she’ll take those important first steps on her career path.

“I plan to earn my BSN at Bloomsburg,” she said. “Then I hope to further specialize my area of study as I progress through college and learn which aspects of nursing appeal to me.”

Higher education always seemed to be in the cards for Emma especially considering the outstanding academic resume she compiled during high school.

A four-year fixture on the High Honor Roll, she earned membership in the National Honor Society and was eventually elected Vice President. Emma also served on Student Council since her freshman year.

She has been very active in extracurricular activities and in her community through the Rotary Club, Interact Club and Class of 2022 Club.

Emma was honored at a Wayne Highlands School Board meeting last winter. With beaming family members looking on, Emma told the Board how grateful she was for all the experiences Honesdale High School offers its students.

“I've had the honor of being a part of our excellent education programs and extracurriculars,” Emma said. “HHS does an exceptional job at offering opportunities that other schools don't necessarily have … all of which shaped me into the student I am today."

“Interact Club provided me the opportunity to share my love of children. And the honor of serving as NHS Vice President allowed me to learn and carry out being a true leader.”

On the Pitch

Hocker’s athletic career began in the fourth grade playing with the Honesdale Soccer Club.

While she also dabbled in softball and track, it quickly became apparent that Emma was most comfortable on the pitch. She did play JV softball and participate in Unified Track & Field, but she focused on soccer all throughout her varsity years.

Hocker thrived from the moment she was inserted into the Lady Hornet line-up as a midfielder. Emma’s speed and quickness made her particularly effective on the outside. She earned four consecutive varsity letters and was elected a team captain for her senior season.

“Soccer will always be one of my favorite memories from high school,” Emma said. “Playing soccer taught me how to deal with constructive criticism, and most importantly how to serve as a leader and a role model.

“I played against many different teams and many different girls and I loved that rush of adrenaline. I also made some of the best friendships.”

Hocker played a key role for the Red & Black, who compete in the Lackawanna League against perennial District Two powerhouses like Scranton Prep, Abington Heights … and longtime nemesis Valley View. In fact, one of Emma’s favorite memories came in an epic victory over the Cougars.

“I had many assists which felt just as rewarding as a goal,” she said. “However, I specifically remember one goal against Valley View when I was a sophomore. I chipped the ball right over the goalie’s head. The score was tied, so that was the game winner.”

For her part, Honesdale varsity coach Becky Kretschmer has nothing but praise for this four-year starter.

“Emma is a patient, approachable, and motivated person with a very strong interest in sports and academics,” she said. “She is able to find balance between work and play and make the most of her time with family and friends.

“Emma excels at everything she works for. She is determined and supportive of the relationships she forms around her. Emma is going to do amazing things with her life.”

Genuine Gratitude

Hocker thoroughly enjoyed growing up in Wayne County and all the experiences she had at Honesdale High School.

And while Emma is sad to see her time here end, she’s thrilled to have received the Lemnitzer Scholarship and anxious to open a new chapter in her life.

“I look at this as a new beginning, in which I will learn independence and much more,” she said. “I have so many more years ahead of me for new opportunities and to meet new people, learn new things.”

Hocker's parents are proud of their daughter. They’re excited to see what this next adventure will bring. However, they’re also understandably emotional as the day of her departure draws near.

“Emma is the kind of daughter anyone would want,” said Samantha, a catch in her throat and a tear in her eye. “She is kind, smart, and hard-working in every aspect of her life. We couldn’t be more proud of our amazing daughter.”

Before Hocker rides off into the proverbial sunset, she wants to convey her sincere thanks to all those who helped her along the way.

“My Mom and Dad were my biggest supporters,” Emma said. “They always told me that as long as I do my best, that’s all that matters. And, my brother Eliott always helped me see the lighter side of things when I got stressed out.”

“I’d also like to thank all of my teachers who helped shaped me into who I am. Each one played a small part and if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have the drive that I have today.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Girls Soccer Lemnitzer Scholarship Emma Hocker