Senior Emma Burbo has left a lasting mark on Concord through her leadership, kindness, and quiet strength. Known for her involvement in student activities and her supportive presence among peers, Burbo embodies what it means to grow steadily and authentically throughout high school. Whether on the volleyball court or in the classroom, she has consistently shown dedication to both her goals and the people around her.
During her time at Concord, Burbo has been actively involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and Varsity volleyball, where she served as a captain alongside teammate Bradie Lehman. Through these activities, she developed leadership skills and strong connections with classmates. Burbo credits several teachers for shaping her experience, including Mrs. Osterhout, Mr. Buck, Ms. Kelly, and Mrs. Fiero.
Fiero speaks very highly of Burbo and how much she has watched her grow over the years. She gives her some advice for once she leaves high school and says, “Follow your dreams and move far away, meet new people, and focus on where you want to be in life, not where others want you to be.”
Outside of academics, Burbo was just as loved as she was crowned Homecoming Queen this year as well. She values her friendships deeply, especially her close-knit group of Mina, Lillie, Macy, and Jaylin, as well as her best friend, Annie.
Annie Saenz says that she met Burbo through MICA travel volleyball when they were young, but they have recently grown closer during Emma’s senior volleyball season. Saenz states, “I definitely think Emma will be successful in life; she will be a good person for me to always come to and I know she will always help me.. I’ll miss seeing her every day and being able to talk to her and hug her.” The girls’ friendships will last long past high school.
When reflecting on her growth since freshman year, Burbo shared that her biggest lesson has been learning that growth does not always come in big moments. Sometimes it’s just showing up for yourself and the people you love every day. One teacher who had a particularly meaningful impact on her was Mrs. O, who Burbo described as a constant source of support during difficult times, reminding her that challenges do not define her worth.
Mrs. O has taught Emma for three years and has had her in the student council for 4 years, and has nothing but amazing things to say about Burbo. “ Emma is resilient; she has always overcome any challenge that she has faced. She always comes out on the other side of it a better student and all around person…” Emma is a very caring and compassionate person and uses her situations to motivate others to be better. Mrs. O leaves Emma with a little advice for when she graduates: “Go out there, see the world. Go do the things you want to do, but never forget about the people here that love you.” Burbo will leave a lasting impact on everyone she has met over the years and will be greatly missed in Concord.
Looking ahead, Burbo plans to study cardiac sonography, with hopes of becoming a travel cardiac sonographer and eventually earning certification in pediatric cardiac sonography as well. Although she has not yet decided on a college, she is excited about a future that combines helping others with exploring the world. In five years, she hopes to be thriving in her career and “experiencing all of the good and beautiful things this world has to offer.”
Above all, Burbo hopes to be remembered as someone loving and supportive when it mattered most. To incoming freshmen, she offers this advice: “Surround yourself with people who make you feel seen, loved, and supported, and don’t fall into bad habits like procrastination. It will catch up to you.” Emma will be greatly missed around the halls of Concord High School as she ventures off to start the rest of her life.
