Who is the Cork Rose Nancy Lehane - one of the early favourites to win the Rose of Tralee?

Philadelphia Rose - Shannon Emery

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Hi! I'm Shannon Emery, 26, born and raised in the Philadelphia region of Pennsylvania where I work as a high school Special Education teacher. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Science and Special Education from West Chester University, where I also served as Vice President of Community Service for my sorority—writing programs for local Girl Scouts and supporting Prevent Child Abuse America. I'm passionate about empowering young women. At school, I advise the Aevidum suicide prevention club and co-founded a girls support group to help students build confidence and community. I recently completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and will begin my doctoral program this summer. When I’m not teaching or studying, I love spending time with family, friends, and my dogs, Clover and Jameson. My Irish roots trace back to Donegal, Meath, Kildare, Dublin, and Cork, with my strongest ties in Kerry. Inspired by my great-grandmother Elizabeth’s journey from Kerry to America in 1922, I’m proud to represent that legacy as a Rose in the Rose of Tralee Festival.