an American Dream

Many Limestone County residents don't

Groesbeck High School senior Emily Wilson stands in front of a U.S. flag at Hawkins Park in downtown Groesbeck. She often performs the national anthem at local sporting events, and this summer she has sung at two minor league baseball games. Journal photo/David Stone know Emily Wilson. Many do, however, know her voice.

The 16-year-old junior-tobe at Groesbeck High School has become a fixture at local sporting events and festivals by singing the National Anthem, and she's hoping the exposure will open doors to a career in the entertainment field.

"The Star Spangled Banner is a hard song to sing -- you have to have good range," Emily said last week. "But it's a great way to show off your talents. The more you sing it, the more you can make it your own."

She began singing the National Anthem at Groesbeck High School basketball games while a freshman.

"That's how it started," she said. "Now I'm getting calls all the time asking me to perform."

Last year, Emily sang at the Groesbeck-Mexia football game and opened the Limestone County Fair each day with the National Anthem. She also performed both nights at the Kosse Rodeo.

Singing the Star-Spangled Banner may be Groesbeck High School junior Emily Wilson's ticket to fame, fortune and a career in the entertainment industry. This summer, Emily has been performing at Minor League baseball games in Frisco and Round Rock.

"The teams hold auditions for people interested in singing the National Anthem," she said. "I was one of those they picked."

Emily said her dad, Richy, serves as her manager and is constantly on the lookout for places she can perform.

Although singing the National Anthem has given the young entertainer a great deal of exposure, Emily also sings at weddings and funerals. Next month, she will perform at the state FFA talent competition in Dallas.

"I won the district competition in Corsicana and area in West," she said. "At state, I'll be singing 'If My Heart had Wings' by Faith Hill. If I win, I'll go to nationals in Indianapolis."

Emily also will be making a trip to Orlando, Fla., this summer to perform at the Actors, Models and Talent Competition. She earned the trip after a February audition in Dallas.

"It's called a competition, but its actually more of a talent showcase," she said. "More than a hundred talent agents will be on hand, and I will be performing in three categories -- singing, acting and commercial modeling."

Emily won't be the only member of her family who will be showcasing talents at the Orlando event.

"My mom, Wendi, is going, too," the younger Wilson said. "But we won't be competing against each other. She will be in a different age group."

A solid performance at the Actors, Models and Talent Competition could boost Emily's talents into the national spotlight.

"It's exciting because if you do well and get the attention of a talent agent, who knows what can happen," she said. "I've been praying about it -- I'll see where God takes me."

At Groesbeck High School, Emily is involved in FFA, cheerleading and drama. Last Fall, she played Sandy in the popular musical "Grease," and she and Daron Stone will have the leading roles this fall in the GHS drama department's production of "The Music Man."

But don't expect Emily to give up her National Anthem gigs anytime soon.

"I've already been asked to perform at some of Groesbeck's basketball and football games next year," she said. "That's something I really enjoy."