Last weekend senior Emerson Donohue walked onto the RMA stage to perform the song “Shooting Star.” Her long blue sequin dress sparkled as lifted her arms in the air with excitement and asked “Who’s ready?!”

Donohue is a staple to the senior class. You can find her walking the halls decked out in the best Scout outfits with a big smile across her face. She attends football games and has participated in all three seasons of Special Olympics. She is the definition of a  super Scout. 

Donohue was also born with a disability called Williams Syndrome, a developmental disorder that can lead to moderate intellectual disabilities.

“When we were waiting for the diagnosis I remember thinking, maybe she will be musical,” said Emerson’s mom, Amy Donohue.

Although she faces challenges, Emerson has made the most of her high school experience.

“She has gotten more out of high school than anyone,” said Mrs. Donohue.

LFHS Social Worker Maggie Harmsen played a huge role in encouraging Emerson to perform. “I had Emerson in summer school,” said Harmson “She sang that song and I got emotional.” 

When talk of the Talent Show began in January, Mrs. Harmsen stepped in and encouraged Emerson to perform. 

“Truly it was the staff,” Mrs. Donohue said, “Mrs. Harmsen sent me a message and said she [Emerson] absolutely has to do the Talent Show.” She said, “Maggie Harmsen just ran with it.” 

Emerson knew right away she wanted to be a part of it.  

The LFHS staff encouraged and worked with Emerson to make this act possible. She spent time after choir working with Mr. Begale, the choir teacher. 

Mrs. Donohue said “Williams kids are total performers.”

Although a lot of practice and preparation was put into this act, this was not Emerson’s first time on stage.

“She has been going to a William Syndrome camp since she was six,” Mrs. Donohue said. They do something there called ‘15 minutes of Fame,’ that’s where she got her first little taste.”

Emerson typically performs a song every year, but her musical talent doesn’t stop there.

“She is a good drummer; she used to take drumming lessons,” said Mrs. Donohue said.

She articulated the significance of music to children with William Syndrome.  

“William’s kids have an affinity towards music and some William’s kids have the ability to hear a song and sit down and play it,” said Mrs. Donohue. “There is incredible talent in the Williams community.”

Emerson is known for wearing her headphones at loud events such as; football games, assemblies, concerts, and performances because she nears noises at a higher pitch. However, nothing holds her back from attending any of these activities. 

To make sure the performance went smoothly for Emerson the audience was told to make adjustments. “Clapping really hurts her ears, so people snapped along,” said Amy. “It was so great, but you know anything could happen…” 

But something changed when audience members applauded Emerson. 

She wasn’t taken back by the loud clapping, instead, she enjoyed it because she understood it was for her. 

On the final night of the  Talent Show, Emerson wanted to walk out on stage one last time before the Finale. The stage was full of dancing students, loud music, and applause. 

Before this experience, Emerson would never have walked out there, but this time she knew she wanted to go out again. 

“I want to go out there, I want to go out because people are going to cheer for me,” said Emerson. So, she walked on out there.

After the Talent Show, Emerson was smiling ear to ear. She couldn’t get enough of it.

“Em came home singing all the songs from the talent show,” said Mrs. Donohue. “Music just sticks with her.”

This experience allowed Emerson to share her talent with the Lake Forest Community. Little did the community know that so much of Emerson’s life revolves around rhythms and pitches.

Emerson uses music in her everyday life to learn new things. “That’s how she learned our phone numbers,” said Mrs. Donohue. “Williams kids are different and when they hear music their brain lights up twice as much.” 

Emerson is active in many activities across LFHS and hopes to participate in more as she finishes her senior year. “Hopefully it is paving the way,” said Amy.