Each Wednesday, Mehlville Patch will be highlighting a young person in the community who is making a positive difference in the lives of others. These kids are doing outstanding academic work, winning an award or exhibiting exemplary qualities. Know a great kid? Nominate them by e-mailing sarah.flagg@patch.com.

Name: Emily Kohnen 

Age: 9

School: Beasley Elementary School

Accomplishment: Emily Kohnen is on the Gold Honor Roll at Beasley Elementary School and enjoys playing hockey for the Sharks.

Key to Awesomeness: Emily Kohnen is a well-rounded scholar. Her stellar grades reflect her interest and dedication to her school studies, but she has many dimensions. One of those is her interest in current affairs and politics, which she gets from her father. In fact, one of her favorite school subjects is social studies. She is also an avid reader of fiction and enjoys and recommends any of the Diary of a Whimpy Kid series, the Ramona books and the popular 39 Clues Scholastic books.

This year Emily played hockey with the Sharks. She is a floater so that she can try out different positions on the team.  She is not sure what position she will eventually choose, but so far she has enjoyed them all. Of course, Emily saves time for soccer, volleyball and basketball as well.

Right now, Emily is training with her mother for a 5K charity run on May 21 in Carondelet Park.

At home, Emily is very responsible and helpful. She cares for her two dogs by being in charge of feeding them.

As for community service activities, Emily has worked for the Water Project donating shoes, made sandwiches for the homeless and served food at the St. Patrick’s Center.