WRITTEN BY EPIC MARKETING INTERN, KATIE BERTHOUD ’25
Emily Walsh ‘24, current senior at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, is forging her path toward becoming an attorney through a variety of extraordinary high school experiences. At BSM, Emily is a member of the girls’ varsity tennis team, captain of both the mock trial and speech teams, and editor-in-chief of the Knight Errant, BSM’s very own student-led newspaper. Walsh’s involvement in different areas of BSM exemplifies what it means to be a Red Knight, being able to pursue the aspirations unique to each student with the countless number of resources BSM has to offer.
This past summer, Walsh interned for federal judge Susan Nelson and district judge Christian Sande. In these roles, she was involved in reading briefs, observing hearings, and participating in chamber discussions, providing her with valuable real-world experiences as a high schooler. On top of that, Walsh is currently a member of Dean Phillips’ Youth Advisory Council where she works on legislation and acquires knowledge and skills through discussions with politicians.
In addition to her internships, Walsh was nominated by BSM and attended Girls State, where she learned the ins and outs of local, city, county, and state government. Walsh ran for Supreme Court Justice, won, and was able to spend a morning with former MN Supreme Court justice Lorie Gildea while touring the Minnesota Capitol building. After attending Girls State, Walsh underwent a rigorous interview and citizenship test process, earning her a spot as one of two girls selected from Minnesota to be flown out to attend Girls Nation in Washington D.C. There, among other high school students, she toured major monuments, participated in debates on bills about access to healthcare, and wrote her own legislation on the carbon tax and dividend act to address climate change. At the end of the week, Walsh and her co-senator were given the opportunity to present their legislation to Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.
As captain of the mock trial team, Walsh is preparing to lead her team on a far run in the state tournament beginning Thursday, Mar. 7, 2024. Walsh is a four-time varsity member of the Mock Trial team, where she won All-State Attorney at State last year. “The mock trial program here at BSM has been built up very strongly over the years. JV members that were pulled up have had many great experiences, and they work extremely well with the team,” stated Walsh.
Since her ninth and tenth-grade English classes, Walsh has been inspired to find herself in the courtroom someday. Books including “Just Mercy” and “Into Cold Blood” have impacted her the most and have inspired her to use her power to help bring justice to the incarcerated. Walsh shared, “At BSM, both through Mock Trial and discussions I have had in class with books like Just Mercy and In Cold Blood, my passion for law and social justice has been fueled, specifically with justice for the incarcerated.” Walsh took charge of reaching out to the Great North Innocence Project. This organization works to free the wrongfully convicted and prevent future wrongful convictions from occurring in the upper Midwest, where she is now an intern, observing reentry court, and assisting with their annual gala.
“Looking back at my high school career, seeing the growth of both the mock trial and speech teams and all of the magazines that have been produced by the Knight Errant have definitely been the highlights of my high school career!” expressed Walsh. Walsh will soon decide which college she will attend as she considers her options with hopes of ending up on the East Coast. Walsh intends to major in English and Political Science with a focus on pre-law. Post college, she plans to attend law school and desires to practice law in the courtroom.
Walsh’s accomplishments in her time as a Red Knight make us proud, and we anticipate that she will continue to make a positive impact both in the world and in the lives of other people!
