Each Wednesday, Emma Case leads third graders at Dream City as they grow in their faith. That responsibility means more to the McAlester High School sophomore than any accomplishment.

“The accomplishment I am most proud of is my position at my church,” Case said. “Being able to make a positive impact on younger children and watch them grow in their faith is something that means a lot to me.”

Case has volunteered in Dream City’s children’s ministry for five years. About a year ago, she became a team leader helping manage its worship team. She has also completed a summer internship, served as a church camp counselor and volunteered in the Compassion 365 soup kitchen.

The work has deepened her faith and leadership. Softball presents different responsibilities, but it requires the same willingness to work through difficult moments.

“Softball has taught me how important it is to persevere through hardships and continue giving my best effort, even when things do not go the way I want them to,” Case said.

Case’s goal is not to pretend a mistake or difficult game never happened. It is to keep one moment from becoming the next one. She carries that outlook into her schoolwork, friendships and everyday interactions.

Teacher Jan Kraft helped Case trust her abilities by encouraging her to pursue everything with full effort. On the field, teammate Sam Shafer has offered reassurance when Case has struggled or doubted herself.

“Sam has always been someone I can count on, and I am grateful for the positive influence she has had on me as both a teammate and a friend,” Case said.

Case appreciates the support she feels throughout McAlester, but she also thinks carefully about the kind of support she gives back. The best advice she has received is to live empathetically and choose what is right rather than what is cool or popular.

Her family has modeled that dependable support, always standing behind her and helping her reach this point. Case now carries it forward in her own way — encouraging a teammate, serving her community or returning each Wednesday to help a group of third graders grow in the faith that guides her own life.