Emma Hubka, junior, was selected as one of the 10 women to receive the Western Missouri and Kansas Affiliate Award for Aspirations in Computing.

The National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) seek women in high school who participate highly in computing and technology. They hope that this award will give girls an opportunity to pursue their passions.

“The big part of this award for me was being able to have access to the network with an organization that is trying to get women into this field (technology),” Hubka said. “Trying to show them that there are other women in this industry.”

Winners will receive various unique career opportunities including future jobs, internships and scholarships. Hubka was able to apply for a summer opportunity in partnership with Apple, Inc. in Cupertino California, has been in communication with the Keynote speaker of the Awards Event and is seeking an internship from the Kansas City area.

“I never expected to get the award,” Hubka said. “At the award ceremony I met the key note speaker and we have been emailing back and forth about internships. She has put me in touch with some of her other associates.”

When the news came in late January that Hubka had won her adviser, Anne Hageman, knew that this opportunity would only boost her future.

“Emma is a leader in every way in all things computer,” Hageman said. “She is the first one to volunteer for internships, even those that are not as fun or not as challenging.”

Through the past years Hubka has had a great influence on the school’s main information website. The team of students working on the website is highly influenced by Emma’s ideas.

“She is a highly valued member of the web team. Her input and decisions will undoubtedly shine on the new site when it is finished,” Hageman said.