Emma Maraghy did not have a normal first day at Tampa Prep. By her 6th grade year, Emma knew Prep like she knew her own home. That’s because Prep has been her home away from home since she was three months old. Most of us join this community in middle or upper school but Emma has been a member since she was a baby.

    While Emma was no stranger to the campus by sixth grade, she was excited to become a Terrapin in the official sense. 

     Head of School Kevin Plummer and science teacher- and Emma’s Dad- Chris Maraghy both agree: “Emma has been a Terrapin since birth.”

    After starting middle school, Emma joined the middle school swim team, joined band class, and essentially danced her way through school. All of these passions grew and evolved as she moved up to upper school.

     “[Emma] is an original… in every way,” Plummer said. He believes she is someone who “dances to her own fiery drum.”

    When Emma entered the upper school she joined the environment club, one of her many passions, and eventually became a leader in the club by her sophomore year. With her eyes set on majoring in environmental science in college, the club was the starting point for her enthusiasm in being environmentally conscious. 

    “I did a park cleanup in 8th grade with the environment club, which was organized by Brian Sarkozy, a former teacher at Prep,” Emma said. “Mr. Sarkozy started talking with me about taking on the president position pretty early.”

    Emma also moved up to the varsity swim team, taking on the responsibility of team cheerleader. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the team have been unmatched since she joined. During meets, you can see her decked out in spirit gear, including a tutu and pom poms, cheering on her teammates. Jaxson Renninger, a fellow swimmer and senior has witnessed Emma’s efforts first-hand. 

      “Emma always keeps a good attitude and is very positive to swimmers who aren’t feeling confident for whatever reason,” Renninger said. “[She] is one of the most spirited people I’ve ever met. 

    Emma is also the team’s designated “fruit mom,” because she always has fruit and snacks ready at each of the team’s meets.  

    “[Emma’s] fruit bowl helps bring the team together during practice and meets,” says Renniger. 

     Last Spring, Emma was a part of the school production of “Pippin” the musical. Throughout the show, Emma sang, danced, and at one point pleaded to a king to have mercy on her in her role as the main peasant in the ensemble. Those who know Emma best felt that her performance was one to remember, including Emma’s best friend, Madison Baker (11).

     “It was so amazing… seeing her running lines, doing the choreography in the costumes… she was so HER up there and confident,” Baker said. 

    This wasn’t Emma’s first production that she participated in either. During the summer of 2022, Emma was a part of the cast of a production of “Footloose” put on by St. Pete Music, Acting, and Dance (St. Pete MAD). She played Ethel McCormack, Ren’s mom, and she was in the ensemble. Baker saw that show as well and was equally impressed.

    “It was so fantastic,” Baker said. “It was just awe-inspiring…”

    It is no doubt, Emma lives her life extravagantly. For those who have witnessed her growth, it is clear that she is never afraid to be herself and she lives comfortably in her own skin. Faculty members who have known her from her earliest days as a Terrapin believe that she is not the kind of person who follows the crowd or tries to be like others. 

    “She’s innovative, creative, confident… a true original,” Plummer said.

    Entering her senior year, Emma Maraghy will be leaving the Tampa Prep community to move on to bigger things. Her plan as of right now is to major in environmental science and to minor in education. 

     “Watching her grow over time has been rewarding as a parent,” Chris said. “She’s finishing high school, but this is only the beginning. [Her mom and I] are excited to see where this journey takes her.”