Emma Crahan

Five was a significant number during Emma Crahan’s stay at Fonda-Fultonville, marking the number of varsity sports she played and the musical ensembles in which she performed.

Four was a big number, too, marking her place in the Braves’ senior class with a 98.8 career grade-point average.

“Emma is an extremely committed and hard-working young woman,” Fonda-Fultonville athletic director Eric Wilson wrote in his nomination letter. “Her willingness and enthusiasm to progress as a student, as well as a person and athlete, truly sets Emma apart. She consistently shows great time management skills, balancing her heavy class load with her numerous extracurricular activities.”

Crahan’s to-do list got even bigger during her junior year when she joined the indoor and outdoor track and field teams, after joining the school’s varsity soccer and softball teams as an eighth grader, and the school’s varsity basketball team the next year. As a weights specialist in 11th grade, she was named the Braves Best Newcomer for indoor track and field and Best in Field Events for the outdoor season.

“Throughout my relationship with Emma, I have experienced an individual who successfully manages being an exceptionally successful varsity athlete on top of completing a full school load,” Fonda-Fultonville track and field coach and phys ed teacher Ashleigh Rajkowski wrote in her nomination letter.

“I just think about my schedule and try to fit it all in,” the 18-year-old Crahan said. “I didn’t have a lunch period my whole high school career.”

Crahan made the Principals’ List in every quarter of her high school career, graduated with an Advanced Regents diploma and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She earned a Trustee Scholarship as well the LeMoyne College Heights Award, Community Service Award, Music Award and First Gen Award, and was additionally recognized for her outstanding work in Algebra and Calculus.

She was a member of the Student Government, Yearbook Club, Spanish Club, Key Club and Yellow Roses, and musically, a singer and saxophone player in the school’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble II, Concert Band, Select Chorus and Mixed Chorus.

“Outside of school, Emma even finds time to work at McDonald’s and Axis Strength Training,” Wilson said of the weightlifting enthusiast. “Her tremendous work ethic and dedication have made Emma well respected by both her peers as well as the faculty in our school.”

“Long days,” said Crahan. “Long days, and a lot more than sports.”

Crahan studied Criminal Justice at HFM BOCES as a junior and senior and will study Forensic Psychology at The College of Saint Rose while competing with its softball and track and field teams.

“I can’t wait to go to college where I can build myself and prepare for my future career,” Crahan said.

During her softball career at Fonda-Fultonville, Crahan was three times named her team MVP and earned a spot on the Section 2 all-star team. Among her highlights, the power-hitting third baseman belted a grand slam this past season in a Senior Night win over Mayfield.

“She sets an example with her dedication to her craft,,her hard-working attitude and true sportsmanship,” Fonda-Fultonville varsity softball coach Chris LeFever said. “It takes a special person to be as well rounded as Emma yet possess all the qualities of a genuinely caring person. It has been a pleasure and privilege watching Emma complete her journey as a high school student athlete as she has positively impacted so many around her.”

Crahan started in goal in every game from the time she joined the soccer team as an eighth grader and was twice named her team MVP along with other accolades. She scored a goal in her last home game against Fort Plain.