The proclamation, read by Mayor Emery Doughtie to Blackwell, and her father, Bill, not only acknowledged her educational ascent through homeschooling, but her success when transferring to Roanoke Rapids for her junior year.

“I, Emery G. Doughtie, mayor of the city of Roanoke Rapids, do hereby recognize and honor Emma G. Blackwell for her exceptional abilities, her tenacity and her vision that enabled her to attain these prestigious scholarships to further her education.”

Blackwell this summer was named a winner of the Buick Achievers National Scholarship, a $100,000 scholarship as well as the State Employees Credit Union People Helping People Scholarship, which is a $2,500 award each year. She received a one-time $1,000 Ronald McDonald House Scholarship.

Blackwell thanked the mayor for the recognition as well as her family, “And all my great teachers.”

Jeff Watson, Roanoke Rapids librarian, said Blackwell has been a tremendous asset to the library where she volunteered in the story time program. Even before she left for college, she called and requested to read to the children, Watson said. “She represents a great quality in the youth of Roanoke Rapids.”