Sophia Libman- Student Spotlight

This edition of Student Spotlight is about Sophia Libman who is currently a Freshman at Academy High. A few of her hobbies include running, competitive gymnastics, and volunteering in the community. At the age of fourteen, she created X-Time, which is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of online classes to keep elementary students engaged throughout the pandemic. Some of the courses offered include math, writing, gymnastics, ballet, cooking, music, coding, martial arts, and fitness. Sophia has a wide array of interests but for this edition, the focus is on the clubs she runs at Academy High.

Because of her interest in running, Sophia formed the Cross Country Club to bring together other students with that same passion. The club’s main goals are to promote a sense of community and encourage healthy habits, where participants typically run or walk twice a week for one to three miles at a time. Sophia hopes to expand the club next year by launching a competitive cross country team at Academy High. She also helps plan virtual events for the whole school to stay active during remote learning. The club recently hosted a virtual Turkey Trot 5k for the Academy High community.

The Caring Crew’s main focus is to support local communities and to give students an opportunity to develop character and leadership skills. Sophia started a similar club in middle school and decided to continue her efforts in high school. After hearing that Briana Ballard was also interested in community outreach, they decided to team up and now collaborate as co-leaders of the Caring Crew. The club recently hosted an activity where students made cards for Clark Lindsey residents to spread some holiday cheer. They often partner with groups and organizations such as The Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Clark-Lindsey Village, and Champaign Urbana Special Recreation. Most recently, the Caring Crew teamed up with the Academy High Parent Association to host an end of the semester fundraising party. Proceeds from the event are split between the AHPA and the Eastern Illinois food bank, where it would help food-insecure families.

Even with so many hobbies and interests Sophia still finds time to spend with her friends and family. Sophia’s goal is for students to continue to enjoy participating in her clubs. She hopes that her effort to help others will make a difference in the world.