Gallery • 4 Photos

Reese Herndon

Audrey Shoemake at tennis Courts

Is there anything else senior Audrey Shoemake can fit into a single day? 

Audrey is a member of the prestigious Edmond North Philharmonic Orchestra, enrolled in four AP classes, attends Francis Tuttle and plays on Edmond North’s tennis team. 

Being this involved can certainly take its toll on a person. While spending countless hours on homework, plus an additional practice time each week for tennis and orchestra, Audrey often feels the tension building. 

When she does get a little extra time, she is then faced with another decision: does she spend that precious time with friends or try to get ahead in her classes? 

Like so many other students here at Edmond North, this full schedule can become overwhelming. The only way to be successful under this kind of pressure is to have a plan in place. One of Audrey’s best strategies is to create to-do lists to section off her workload, making it easier to keep track of what she has completed, what she still needs to work on and to make sure everything gets done. 

Shoemake’s advice to everyone else taking on a lot is, “Don’t procrastinate or put off your work for another day.” 

Audrey has played the cello since she was in sixth grade. This year, she is playing the cello in the philharmonic orchestra, which is one of the two orchestras that require auditions. Under the leadership of Edmond North Orchestra Conductor, Mr. Justin Pourtorkan, she has improved immensely. 

When asked if she thinks others should audition for the higher-level orchestras, Audrey said, “If someone is willing to challenge themselves and really enjoys playing, they should definitely try out for higher orchestras.”

Regardless of whether you are in orchestra, play a sport or are part of a club, finding something to be a part of will make high school that much more enjoyable. For Audrey, the orchestra community has been a great place to find people she loves to spend time with.

After high school, Audrey plans to major in pre-nursing. Her well-rounded high school experience will undoubtedly help her be better prepared for her college career. 

Audrey represents the Edmond North excellence. We know she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.