This was previously published in the 2026 senior issue.
For Claudia Walls, success has always been about balance. Whether she was breaking school records, maintaining strong grades, or serving as a Deputy Online Editor for The Stinger, Walls embraced every opportunity that came her way.
This fall, Walls will continue her academic and athletic journey at Lehigh University, where she plans to major in civil engineering while also competing for the school’s track and field team.
Through her high school career, Walls built a strong legacy defined by conference success and record-setting performances in multiple events. She captured four consecutive EPC Championship gold medals in high jump and holds nearly every indoor and outdoor school record in the high jump, triple jump, and long jump. She also qualified for the PIAA state championships both this year and last year.
Outside of track and field, Walls was a four-year member of the volleyball team, with a memorable comeback win in the EPC Championship final this year. Beyond athletics, Walls served as the secretary for Mock Trial, and a member of National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, the Art Honor Society, and was a member of Interact Club.
Stinger: What impact do you think you left on Emmaus High School?
Walls: [People ask me] how you can be good at a sport and good academically as well? Because even though sports are important, and I’m going there [to Lehigh] for college, academics are still a priority. I think it shows how much hard work you can put in, even if you’re in multiple clubs or multiple things. You still have to have a balance in time management with that and family and friends. I think my dedication and hard work in the weight room and studying showed off through my GPA, my classes, and my accomplishments with sports.
Stinger: What advice would you give to underclassmen?
Walls: I would say join other clubs, and do things that you wouldn’t usually think of, because you never know what you’re good at. If I never went out for track, I would never know that I was really good at [track], and … end up going to college with that. So I feel, if you just keep trying new things, then you’re obviously making new friends and finding something that you really love.
Stinger: What advice regarding athletics would you give to underclassmen?
Walls: I think if you really want to be dedicated and you love the sport and you want to pursue it in the future, I think you have to put the time in and put the work in. Even if you’re not seeing the results right away, if you keep working hard and training, they’ll eventually show up. Your hard work will pay off.
Stinger: What athletic achievement are you most proud of?
Walls: I got chosen to do the [EHS Student Announcement Day] athlete speech. So even though that wasn’t an athletic accomplishment, that was meaningful to me, that they recognized me, and that I could be someone that could speak in front of everyone, and explain my story and how I felt.
