Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Crestwood senior, singer Emma Ketchum on the growth and harmony REACH brought into her life

At just 17 years old, Crestwood High School senior Emma Ketchum has spent most of her life chasing melodies. From the church stand, her young voice squeaking out the words to "God Bless America," to an anxious ninth-grader singing for her spot as one of few named to South Carolina All-State Choir.

But this determination to defy her nerves isn't new to Emma.

"I definitely come from a musical family," Emma explained. "My grandmother, she actually was going to do some CDs and things. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but I got a lot of it, I would say, from her. My mother and her parents definitely supported it. Any time I wanted to sing, she put me out there."

That encouragement paid off early. One of Emma's first memories on stage came at just 3 years old at her church. It wasn't the best performance of her young career, but it taught her the importance of putting yourself out there.

By third grade, she landed her first major role as Young Simba in her school's production of "The Lion King." She was bitten by the theater bug, filling out roles as Belle and other profound and musically inclined characters. But Emma would get the chance to take her craft a step further. That same year in third grade, she auditioned for REACH, Sumter School District's gifted and talented summer arts program that has helped shape hundreds of local young performers. For three weeks each June, students immerse themselves in music, theater and visual art. For Emma, it was the "biggest step" in her musical journey.

"I actually did theater and music - I auditioned for both, but I stuck with music once I got in. REACH was a huge step for me. I like the idea of learning a lot of different experiences, [and] it was never the same," she explained. "You had to learn a lot of different skills to be able to sing, especially at that pace; learning 10 songs in three weeks, especially with Littles [elementary portion of REACH]. You have to be able to pick up skills quick."

That level of adaptability came with its fair share of struggles, learning to keep the pace, stay in tune and find your voice in harmony. But it came with great lessons on how to conduct herself as a professional and a person. It taught her that criticism is less of what others want to change about you and more of what others know you are capable of. To have choir directors change keys on a whim or alter choreography down to the last second was only to better the performance and the performer. Her nine years in REACH shaped her consistency in her craft and the confidence that would back it, which led her to getting her first solo in third grade. Her willingness to put herself out there, to take a chance on her talent and share it beyond the harmonies of the choir or the corners of her bedroom has granted her a solo every year since.

Her voice has allowed her to grace many stages, both local and statewide - including South Carolina All-State Choir. Emma was one of two Crestwood freshmen to make All-State when the program began allowing ninth-graders. For three years, she has ranked in the top 10 in state, earning fifth place this past year.

"I've been very fortunate … I didn't think I'd make it in," she said through laughter.

Outside of school and All-State, Emma lends her voice as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church choir. Post-high school graduation, Emma plans to minor in music in college while studying in another field. By doing so, she hopes to become a vocal instructor or choral director who can help young singers find their voice the same way she found hers.

For younger students wondering whether to audition for REACH or All-State, Emma's advice is concise but encourages commitment.

"You just need to do it," she expressed. "Even if you don't make it in, the idea of getting that type of experience for auditioning and the resilience to keep trying to do these types of things is a big skill, not only for jobs or life, it's a personal skill."

"You can apply that to any aspect of your life. You need to be able to take those types of steps, be able to be a little risque, if you will, and put yourself out there, because if I didn't, I would never have had these opportunities."