Senior Erma Grey Bailey has been a standout student, field hockey captain, and player, and has committed to The College of William and Mary for field hockey in the fall. Bailey has had an epic senior year as she won the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) teaching contract for Virginia Beach after completing a four-year education program. As if that is not enough, she was named Homecoming Queen in the fall at the annual Homecoming parade and football game.
Q: What current extracurricular activities are you involved in?
A: “I’m a Leadership Workshop Director, Class of 2025 secretary, I was captain of the varsity field hockey team, and am part of the varsity basketball team for the first time this year.”
Q: What has been your most memorable moment at Cox High School?
A: “Winning the Field hockey State Championship twice!!”
Q: Who has inspired you the most throughout your four years of High School?
A: “My VTfT intern teacher, Mrs.Prater, is a fifth-grade social studies and Language Arts teacher at John B. Dey Elementary School. When I walk into her room every other day, the classroom is so well organized. She has set a variety of ground rules with her students from day one, including being kind to everyone, trying your best in everything, and most importantly, being kind to yourself. She defines what a good teacher looks like and who I strive to be. She is my inspiration, and I look up to her every day. I was so lucky to be placed with her for VTFT I and currently VTFT II.”
Q: What’s one word of advice you would give to a rising freshman?
A:“One word of advice I would give to rising freshman is to get involved early, be nice to everyone, and have fun.”
Q: How has your school involvement helped you grow as an individual?
A: “Being in VTFT I and II has been one of the best experiences of my life, I get to go and teach amazing students. VTFT has helped me prepare for college as I am majoring in Elementary Education. I was also director of Leadership Workshop, which was a challenging task to take on for me. This Leadership role has taught me that not everyone agrees with you or likes you, but at the end of the day we are here for one thing only and that was to make this the best weekend of the school year.”
~Senior Erma Grey Bailey
