10/16/2011 3:34 AM
Aspiration: role model
By Karen Mansfield
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/break11/10-16-2011-emmett-patterson-GLSEN-award-winner Emmett Patterson, a senior at Trinity High School, began developing his advocacy skills when he turned 10 years old and started volunteering with Washington Area Humane Society.
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This year, Patterson, a transgender whose legal name is Emily and who has not had surgical alterations, co-founded Trinity High School's Gay-Straight Alliance, the first student club of its kind in Washington County.
"I was ecstatic when I found out I won the award. I am honored," said Patterson. "I was just glad to be a finalist. I hope this award can bring light to the issue of transgender, and I want to continue to promote diversity and equality. I have a strong sense of self, but when we started GSA at Trinity, we were willing to put ourselves aside and do it for the kids who need it. I hope I can be a role model."
