At the school's first football game of the season, one of Wallace's close friends, Macy Dickerson, said the past few days have been difficult.
"It's just hard," she said.
A wooden cross painted with Wallace's first name stands in parking space number 132 -- her assigned spot. Flowers, balloons and handwritten notes surround the tribute. Macy said she helped create the memorial and described Emma as someone who consistently put others first.
"She always cared about others and others before her. And she's always there for people. She's really kind. I have my best memories with her," Macy said.
Emma was known as a talented athlete at South Granville, playing both volleyball and softball.
Her father, Corp. Tony Wallace, serves as a Creedmoor school resource officer.
Eyewitnesses told ABC11 that Emma was driving southbound on US 15 when her car collided with a northbound vehicle.
In her obituary, her family wrote, "Losing her so suddenly has shattered us in ways we are still trying to understand. But even in this pain, her love is everywhere."
The Granville County School District has been providing support services to students as they process the loss.
Emma will be laid to rest on Sunday, with visitation and funeral services scheduled at the South Granville High School auditorium.
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