Amelia Earhart said, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up to make new trees.”  By that logic, Maggie Lohmann, 2016 BHS graduate, has planted a forest with her outreach of kindness.  Lohmann, who is being honored on July 2 as one of two recipients of the Benedum Youth Leadership Award, has excelled in academics, athletics, and in the arts, but it is her humility and service that has been recognized with this honor, and Bridgeport could not be more proud to call her one of their own.

 

 

With every challenge she has faced, Lohmann has not only risen to the occasion, but has found ways to bless others in the process.  When she was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, she took the initiative to not only research and raise awareness of the disease, but became an active mentor and key fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  She has also been a keynote speaker in support of Camp Kno-Koma, a youth camp designated for children with diabetes, which she has not only attended, but has served in leadership roles as well.

 

As an active GFWC Bridgeport Juniorette, Lohmann has participated in the Autism Walk, Relay for Life, Hope House, and the Trick or Trot children’s activities.  She was part of the original Bridgeport Kids Running Club and has volunteered repeatedly at the Clarksburg City Mission and the Harrison County Humane Society.

 

Officially, Lohmann has been recognized repeatedly for her efforts.  She was the West Virginia Representative fo the 2015 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Competition, the three-year winner of the West Virginia young Writers Award, chosen for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar and selected to attend the Governor’s School for the Arts.  She was also in the West Virginia All-State Orchestra and Honors Orchestra and won first place several times in the WVU Journalism Competition.  Lohmann was selected as a representative in the 2015 WV Ambassador for Justice Program and was both the Student of the Month and an Advanced Placement Honor Scholar.  Her speech as Miss BHS was emotional and uplifting and perfectly captured her spirit of connectivity with the school to which she shared so much of herself.

 

An active member of the BHS theatre, Lohmann could be seen on stage during Legally Blonde, the Drowsy Chaperone, The Little Mermaid, Jr., All Shook Up, Peter Pan, The Addams Family, and Once Upon A Matress.  As co-editor of the yearbook, her assistance helped make the 2016 Ki-Ku-Wa spectacular and she used her journalistic talents to cover school events as the publicist for BHS Student Council Executive Board.

 

Lohmann was the 2013 Sophomore Class Homecoming Representative and the 2015 Senior Class Homecoming Representative and Maid of Honor.  She was a member of the BHS Chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America and an active part of the BHS Student Council, including hosting Super Leadership Day.  She is a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Youth Group and Choir and regularly plays violin and sings during services.

 

With an impressive list of community service, the closest to her heart is her work with the Challenger League.  She has been a Buddy for the organization for five years and her compassion and enthusiasm for the players is truly inspiring. 

 

When the Benedum Festival Committee solicited nominations for this year’s Youth Leadership Award, Lohmann’s name came up repeatedly, noting that she is not only accomplished, but also humble.  Her parents, Amy and Mike Lohman, could not be more proud of her.  Her kindness and generosity continue to inspire others and represent the Bridgeport community perfectly.  Lohmann will be presented with her award on the evening of July 2, during the Picnic in the Park activities at Bridgeport City Park.