The senior at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way has spoken to 1,000 people in Atlanta and 2,000 in Nashville and will address as many as 5,000 in July in Anaheim, Calif.

“It’s exciting to meet so many people,” said Hemphill, who lives in Tacoma.

She represents Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, which pays her travel expenses. It’s a national organization that promotes family and consumer sciences education.

Hemphill, 18, was elected last July as vice president of finance for her group, making her one of its 10 national officers. She and Phoenix Patterson, of Tekoa near Spokane, became the first two Washington students in 10 years elected to national posts for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, said Leslie Deakins, adviser for the group’s club at Todd Beamer.

The organization aims to give students skills for making a difference in their families, careers and communities.

Hemphill, who has a nearly straight-A grade-point average, plans to attend New York University in September.

In Atlanta in April, Hemphill spoke about avoiding mediocrity and “doing everything to its fullest.”

Her group doesn’t allow its speakers to use notes.

When Hemphill first steps onto the stage, she feels nervous.

“After about the first 30 seconds, I start to relax,” Hemphill said. “I like to be on stage.”

And she delivers.

“She’s a gifted speaker,” Deakins said. “She can tell you important information while making you laugh.”

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