Amy Grace Manofsky

Once again, a young gem has been unearthed in our little valley. There's no question that with everything she's already accomplished, this eight-year-old fourth-grader at Apollo-Ridge Elementary has high claims on her future. Amy Grace Manofsky is an honor roll student; she's creative, artistic, musical, and athletic. She's young yet eloquent, ambitious, and a hard worker. As her name implies, she carries a grace and presence beyond her years. When I met Amy Grace, I was immediately impressed. She is a sweet and polite young lady whose manners and courtesy rival those of some adults. Her parents, Dan and Connie Manofsky, were equally as amiable, and their pride in their daughter was clear. And for good reason; Amy's sports, hobbies, activities, and awards span several pages. She's quite accomplished for as young as she is.

One of Amy Grace's most active involvement is in her church, Apollo Free Methodist. She plays piano leading worship services and sings in the children's choir. Amy has been taking piano lessons since she was five and singing at the church since age two! She also works with the Vacation Bible School and she attends Christian Life Club (CLC). This club can be equated to scout troops because of the requirements and badges that members must achieve. They meet twice a week and Amy Grace is proud of her perfect attendance.

Amy Grace attacks every activity and project with zeal and excellence, and that is reflected in the many trophies, plaques, medals, ribbons, and other awards she's won. Her early start in piano and singing has earned her several Outstanding Music awards from the school's PTA Reflection program. For this, she composed and performed an original piece of music. Her musical activities don't end there; she has sang or played piano in so many community venues, it's hard to remember them all. She's performed at Apollo Memorial Day services, Fourth of July fireworks, and the Christmas talent show. She even sang at Representative Jeff Coleman's Open house in Ford City and for the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education at the Lenape Heights Golf Course Teacher's Luncheon. As well, she participated in the Apollo Ministerium September 11 Service at Apollo-Ridge High School. Aside from all these big events, Amy Grace has sang and played piano for weddings, family reunions, at nursing homes, and churches. The list is endless!

I don't know how she does all this, but Amy's interests extend beyond music. She enjoys several sports as well. She's a left-handed pitcher for minor league girls' softball, and she's proud of the ball her coach gave her for getting the game-winning home run. She plays basketball for the YMCA and her school. She loves swimming, roller blading, ice skating, biking, and canoeing. In addition, Amy Grace has received awards for everything from perfect attendance to Great Idea Awards (Apollo-Ridge learning festival) and from handwriting to Bible memory awards. I walked away from this meeting shaking my head in amazement at such a talented, dedicated, and accomplished young lady. But I was not surprised to find her here, in our hometown. Listen to Amy Grace talk about some of her favorite trophies and awards and hear her beautiful singing voice in a special vocal performance in her video interview.