A FOND "FARE-THEE-WELL" TO EMILY
by Gigi Stewart
Emily Burdick started helping at Soarin' Hawk in 2016. She made quite an impression on Pam Whitacre when Emily was just 12 years old. Emily and her family attended a Soarin' Hawk presentation. At the end of the presentation, Emily handed Pam an envelope. The envelope had money in it, Emily told Pam it was her birthday money. Emily had asked people to give her cash for her birthday so she could donate the money to Soarin' Hawk.
Pam was so touched, she wanted to figure out a way to get Emily involved with Soarin' Hawk. Emily started helping with presentations. She would help set up, carry bird carriers, be our build-a-hawk model, hold props and so on.
As Emily got a little older, she joined the Thursday Avian Care crew while we were still at Pat's. She started handling birds - she's a natural with birds. She and Ginger shared a very special bond. She became a true equal on our crew and always did whatever we needed done.
Now Emily is heading to college! She will be attending Manchester University studying. Biology-Chemistry (Pre-Medicine) and Pharmacogenomics.
We are all so very proud of her. Its truly a bittersweet time because we will miss Emily so very much but was also know that whatever she does in life, she will shine.
We love you Emily. Thank you for the years you have spent with Soarin' Hawk!