By Carlos Hernandez

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In the halls of Statesville High School, a figure stands as a bridge between law enforcement and education—Officer Julie Emory, celebrated through the Statesville Police Department’s social media tribute as a guiding force within the corridors of schooling youth. With seven years of law enforcement experience, Officer Emory has spent two of those years as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Statesville High, a role she stepped into after serving at Northview Academy.

Her daily routine includes not only ensuring safety and order but, as she says in the Statesville Police Department’s post, “building meaningful relationships with students” and providing support that goes beyond the badge, however, she’s also quick to highlight the lighter sides of her work like keeping fit by walking the halls and enjoying a front-row seat to high school dynamics.

Officer Emory’s message to her younger self, shared in the update, encapsulates the essence of her counsel to students: “Don’t stress about fitting in. Stay true to yourself, focus on long-term goals, and remember – high school drama fades quickly after graduation.” It’s a mantra that reflects her belief in the transitory nature of adolescent troubles and the importance of authenticity and forward-thinking.

The initiative to spotlight SROs like Officer Emory is part of a broader effort by the Statesville Police to foster community connections and humanize their officers, their #SchoolResourceOfficer and #HeroesInOurHalls hashtags not only commend the individuals but also illuminate the often-overlooked facets of the police force within our educational institutions, where they are seen not just as overseers, but as mentors, confidants, and even as sort of life coaches for the younger generation navigating the complexities of life and growth.

For those interested in learning more about Officer Emory’s contributions to Statesville High or to meet other SROs in the fold, the department invites the public to visit their shortlisted profile highlights conveniently available at the provided link on their social media page.