By Mike Beas
The margin separating one’s adolescence from the start of his or her decades-long journey as an adult is thinner than most album covers.
Having recently graduated from Avon High School, this is where Emma Ennen lives – albeit temporarily.
In August, Ennen begins her freshman year at Vincennes University where she plans to major in natural resources and environmental science.
Once on campus, she won’t lack for things to do.
After all, remaining busy is something of a family tradition. And, quite frankly, an Emma Ennen tradition.
“I was always active when I was a young kid,” said Ennen. “I’m just used to it. All of my family is that way. I get it from my parents (Brent and Beth), and my sisters (Carlee and Megan), too.
“College is mainly, like, on your time, so I can plan on which activities I’m going to do. I’m pretty sure I’ll be in theatre. I like to be in the background. Backstage. You get to meet the actors, and work with props, too.”
While at Avon, Ennen lettered in both band and theatre, and was an honor member of her school’s thespian troupe #8320 through the International Thespian Society (ITS).
Ennen’s love of history enabled her to be selected as a 2022 Hendricks County Delegate for the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. through Hendricks Power Cooperative (HPC).
The recent AHS grad’s gold-and-black school jacket is perhaps the ultimate billboard promoting her many varied interests.
Mixed in with band and theatre-related patches, is a green-and-white 4-H patch, and even one expressing her heartfelt affection for New York City.
In terms of both interests and geography, Ennen has come a long way in a relatively short period of time.
In May of 2004, the family moved to Avon having previously lived in Terre Haute.
Two days later, Emma was born.
As she grew older, Ennen became active in 4-H starting in third-grade, and has been involved ever since. Her roles within 4-H the past decade have ranged from showing rabbits to archery to poultry to cats to being a junior leader.
While at Avon High School, Ennen was part of the Avon marching band (playing either trumpet or mellophone), the school’s history club, and Hendricks County civic theatre.
On June 19, she starts her job as a camp counselor at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Like she said. Busy.
And though there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, those closest to Ennen don’t advise her to pump the brakes on the things that interest her.
“My husband and I have definitely encouraged the girls to participate in activities,” said Beth Ennen. “Find that one activity you love and stay focused.
“Emma is fair game for any opportunity that comes her way. She’s very organized, so that helps with her time management skills.”