Celebrations

Ema Varilova ’28 is no stranger to change. Born in the Czech Republic, she’s lived in Poland, Puerto Rico, Belgium, and Argentina. “I guess I learned to fit in quickly, to get along with everyone,” Ema said of her family’s adventures, which are the result of her dad’s job.

A couple of years ago her dad took a position in New Jersey, and the family settled in Mercer County. When Ema visited and took a tour of The Hun School before her seventh grade year, she knew it would be another good fit. “When I came, I saw everyone was together and having a good time, and everyone was kind to each other,” she said. Her tour guide, an Upper School student, talked about her own experience at Hun, and Ema felt confident would have a similarly positive experience. 

After two years in The Hun Middle School, Ema is looking forward to her next adventure: The Hun Upper School. This year, she took Spanish 4 Honors in the Upper School (she learned Spanish in Puerto Rico and spoke it in Argentina), so she already has experience navigating The Upper School hallways. 

She’s also looking forward to trying new math classes in the Upper School, as Ms. Skelly’s algebra class was a highlight of her Middle School experience. Math is great, Ema says, because there’s only one correct answer. 

“Ema is an engaged learner who works hard in the classroom and finds time to help others. Teaching her last year was a joy, and I'm thrilled she is excited about taking more math classes in the Upper School, but her quiet yet keen sense of humor will be missed in The Hun Middle School,” Ms. Skelly said. 

Ema was awarded the Science Prize at the Middle School Closing Ceremony on Wednesday, June 5th.

Outside of school, Ema loves to spend time horseback riding, which she’s been doing since she was seven years old. “I just like animals and I like the discipline,” she says.