Meet Your Mighty Titan: Emma Kemler

When Emma Kemler saw an insensitive comment on Facebook, she decided to act and created Titan Aid. Kemler, a junior at T.C., is the co-president and founder of Titan Aid, a club created in reaction to the Haitian Earthquake disaster. Emma is an incredibly intelligent, dedicated person whose main focus is to help others. “Emma is extremely dedicated to everything she puts her mind to and I am proud to have her as my best friend,” said Eleanor Kenimer. Emma runs cross country and manages the indoor and outdoor track teams. The inflammatory comment posted on Facebook said that “we shouldn’t be focused on helping other countries when there are so many problems here in the U.S.” This angered Emma and some of her fellow students, prompting her to found the club. The money Titan Aid raises goes to Architecture for Humanity, an organization that teaches people to build and create a sustainable, safe, and comfortable community. “We at T.C. are a community, and we want to help another community,” Kemler said. In order to raise money, the club wanted to hold a concert in T.C. that featured school bands, sort of like the famous “Live AID” concert held in 1985 that helped raise money and awareness for AIDs. This was not able to happen, but Emma got in touch with the band Virginia Coalition, or VaCo, who are ’92 T.C. alums. They were willing to collaborate and hold a concert at the Birchmere. The concert was a huge success, raising almost a thousand dollars. A guitar donated by Del Ray Music was auctioned off, t-shirts designed by Caroline Kee, and ribbons, were all sold. After the triumph, the club had this year with the concert, bake sales and raffles, they hope to expand in following years. Emma has been the driving force behind Titan Aid, along with co-president Kate Snow. They both have worked extremely hard for the victims in Haiti. “Emma is the most brilliant and compassionate individual. She and Kate Snow started Titan Aid together because of their desire to do good and help people suffering in Haiti. Emma is the heartbeat of the club. She single-handedly organized our fundraiser with Virginia Coalition, and I am so proud of her. Someday I hope to have a daughter who is as selfless and generous as Emma,” said Emma’s AP English teacher, and Titan Aid sponsor, Sarah Kiyak. According to those who know her, Emma is not afraid to stick up for what she believes in, and is constantly putting people before herself. Emma feels very fortunate and happy for what she has, and she wants to help those who are less fortunate. She is an incredible role model for everyone. Junior Lester Schonberger said of Kemler, “Emma is incredible. She’s so kind hearted and honest. If I need input on something, I know she can give me great advice.”