Emerald A. Butcher was a natural-born scholar — valedictorian of her elementary, middle, and high school classes — and a proud graduate of Baltimore City College (City Knights). She was a published anime author, an avid debater, a Harry Potter enthusiast, and a beloved flight attendant with Southwest Airlines.

But of all her accomplishments, her most cherished role was being a mother to Yasmein and Yari Butcher. They were her pride, her joy, and her greatest legacy.

Today, Yari is entering his senior year at Loyola Blakefield, and Yasmein is preparing for her final year at Western High School — both walking in Emerald’s footsteps of academic excellence, strength, and integrity.

As a young single mother, many counted Emerald out — but she turned doubt into determination. She refused to let her circumstances limit her future and poured that same spirit of perseverance into her children. That strength, grace, and brilliance live on in them today.

Even after her untimely passing, Emerald’s values — education, resilience, and joy — echo through the lives of her children and the many lives she touched. Through the Emerald A. Butcher Memorial Scholarship, we ensure her legacy lives on by supporting youth who, like her, rise in the face of adversity.

She lives on through them. And through every scholar we support.
Emeralds Are Forever.