Members of the Steamboat Springs Teen Council have selected Libby Lukens as Teen of the Month for April, 2017 because she is an outstanding teen in the community and embodies the following values of the teen council:
- Demonstrates that teens are valuable community assets
- Acts as a leader and/or a positive role model amongst her peers
- Committed to community service
Libby Lukens, a student at Steamboat Springs High School, has shown a strong involvement in a variety of activities in the community. As a senior, she is currently completing her 4th year as a member in the SSHS Student Council, and currently serves as the senior class representative. Lukens finds herself following her passion of music and theater participating in multiple shows at the high school and community theater. You may also know Lukens from her talent across an array of musical instruments such as the trumpet, piano, ukelele and as a member of the United Methodist Church choir. She has been an active musician since 2007 and her involvement does not stop there. Since 2004, Libby has played hockey for the past 13 years and her legacy will be remembered as assistant captain and captain.
While interviewing, Lukens was asked to talk about one of her greatest achievements. She had a very inspiring story about qualifying for the International Thespian Festival after competing at the State Thespian Convention for musical performance. Two years ago, Lukens was not confident in her vocal singing and was discouraged from certain auditions because of her lack of cofidence. It didn’t take long for her to turn this around. Instead of shying away from her fear, she looked it right in the face. “After two years of vocal lessons and going to Perry-Mansfield to work on my voice, being recognized for my hard work felt incredible. I am so excited that I get to represent the SSHS drama troupe as well as Colorado at the International Thespian Festival, and I hope I make everyone proud,” said Lukens.
As a recoginized teen in the area, the teen council wanted to understand what keeps Libby motivated. Her response was based around her love for working with people. Lukens finished her answer with, “It’s all worth it if I bring a smile to someone’s face!”
After high school, Libby will be attending George Washington University in Washington, D.C. to study political science and hopes to be working in the future with an organization or the federal government to make the world a better place.
Libby has been inspired and mentored by Jamie Oberhansly, the director of SSHS Theater and a strong role model for Lukens. She says that Oberhansly is, “strong, kind, and patient. She is an incredible asset to our community, and changes kids’ lives for the better every day. Without her I would not have discovered theatre and I cannot thank her enough for that. ” Lukens is appreciative of all the opportunities theater has given her.
Even with significant energy spent as an active and strong member of the community, Lukens can find time to enjoy hiking with her dad, visiting the Botanical Garden and last, but not least, trying to save the bees. She had one more shout out to add that we did not want to skip, “I would like to thank Mountain Brew, because without their white chocolate lavender steamer I would not have made it through rehearsals!”
Congratulations Libby! Lukens will be awarded with a $25 Chamber Gift Certificate and will be featured in the Steamboat Today newspaper.
About the Steamboat Springs Teen Council: The SSTC, in its 10th consecutive year, works to increase positive leadership development, involve teens in the community at large, and provide substance free and alternative activities for youth. The program is sponsored by the City of Steamboat Springs and Grand Futures Prevention Coalition. The SSTC is funded through a grant from Routt County United Way and the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation.
To learn more about the SSTC, please visit
facebook.com/ssteencouncil
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CONTACTS:
Stephanie Seiden – City of Steamboat Springs Recreation Specialist – 970-871-7056
Lexi Miller – Grand Futures Prevention Coalition – 970-879-6188