The Standley Lake Library is home to a robust Teen Advisory Board (TAB), made up of 30 middle and high schoolers who come together once a month to plan teen events and programs at JCPL. This May, we say a sad farewell to seven graduating seniors who are leaving behind a strong legacy of service and comradery, including Justin and Micah, two graduating seniors who joined TAB together and have brought undeniable energy and enthusiasm to the group.
"I went to my first TAB meeting, and I was like, 'Whoa, this is so fun!'" Micah remembers. "We can all laugh about the same stuff and do all these projects and events with our friends. There aren't many places in the world where you can build these bonds with other people."
"I love the community here," Justin adds. "I think the Library is such an awesome place where, frankly, the coolest teenagers get to come hang out. I get to talk to all these people who are so passionate about books and other nerdy things. It's such a great way to engage and support the local community."
Standley Lake Teen Librarian Meagan can't say enough wonderful things about Justin and Micah.
"I met Justin as a Summer Challenge volunteer in 2023," she remembers. "I was immediately impressed and could tell he was different than most of his peers. Even though it was his first time volunteering at the Library, he instantly became a leader. Micah joined TAB along with him, and the two of them together have been a dream team. They've just been incredible to work with and give me hope for the future."
Recently, the Standley Lake TAB planned an Alice in Wonderland-themed murder mystery and spent the day's meeting recapping the event and brainstorming ideas to help future events run more smoothly. Though the group spans a large age range — from sixth to 12th grade — the group members work together cohesively and truly enjoy each other's company.
As seniors, Micah and Justin both work hard to support younger members of TAB and encourage them to feel comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas.
"TAB is this rare instance of a very wholesome, focused community," Justin says. "The only motivation is to interact with people and support other teenagers — there's really no other game. Everyone is so positive and willing to help each other and willing to laugh with each other."
After graduating, Micah is enrolled in a summer program at Brigham Young University, followed by a two-year mission.
"Hopefully in France!" Justin jumps in. Micah and Justin are in French class together and have a brief side conversation in French about their studies and the merit of French food and culture.
Justin will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder for aerospace engineering and looks forward to embarking on a new adventure at a culturally rich school.
"Next year after graduation is gonna be pretty different," Justin says wistfully.
"I'm sad, man!" Micah adds.
"I know, right? There's so many amazing people here."
But what will they miss most about TAB after graduation?
"Man, that hummus." Micah jokes. Standley Lake TAB is renowned for having excellent snacks. "But really, you walk in and there's all these lovely people, there's snacks, we all sit around a table, and it's not like other meetings. There's no stress — we get to do it because we want to and we're passionate about it."
It's a good thing Micah and Justin are passionate about TAB because they each have a plethora of interests and hobbies to occupy their time.
Micah laughs as he starts to list his extracurricular activities, from playing in a volleyball league to basketball. But his big hobby is theater.
"I love theater — I've been doing it for five years, and I'm the president of the Theater Club," he says. "Right now, I'm directing a one-act called The Psych Teacher is Dead."
"Theater is one of those things that's so expressive," he continues. "Once I found that place to put myself out there, man, you make some of the best friends of your life in there. I'm also an Eagle Scout and the president of Ralston Valley's National Honor Society. I love service. And skiing. You gotta add skiing."
"A-Basin right now?" Justin adds. "The snow is impeccable! A-Basin is the best for late season."
In addition to skiing and volunteering with Micah, Justin is the historian of the National Honor Society, the president of the French Honor Society, the president of Ralston Valley's Chess Club and fences: "It's a really great sport and a great way to meet new people."
"I also do theater," he says. "Choir is one of my biggest things. I'm in Shades of Blue, the Choir Council, and 80th Avenue, a barbershop-style choir. I also play piano — music is a big part of my life. You can't just describe how good music is… You need music to do it!"
Both teens are also avid readers. Currently, Micah is reading Hero of Ages.
"Yes!" Justin exclaims. "Brandon Sanderson's books are so good. He's my favorite author. Trust me, his books hook you in so much. I started reading Brandon Sanderson at the end of my sophomore year, and I read nothing else for months on end."
"I love a good book with world-building," Micah explains. "When I can read the book and there's so much detail in the world, I start seeing myself in the world. It's hard to get to that moment sometimes, but when you've really homed in on a book, you can really envelop yourself in the world of the book."
"It's such a special experience, right?" Justin adds. "You have these hours you've spent with different cultures and countries, and you're just there. You're fully there. You're thinking the way the characters are. That's the real magic system."
While he prefers fiction, Justin raves about his most recent nonfiction read, Everything is Tuberculosis: the History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection.
"It's about the stigmatization of disease and TB specifically and how that's affected our ability to treat it," he explains. "It also gets into the injustices in TB research and treatment and how so many people still die from it today."
Justin and Micah have plenty of action-packed books to recommend, as well as advice to dispense for their younger classmates.
"If I could put out a call to action, I would highly recommend getting involved in community service," Justin says. "Not only is it a great way to give back, it's a great way to meet new people. Honestly, it's kind of selfish — I think we get back more than we give."
"Service is one of the best ways to find true happiness and get true long-lasting dopamine," Micah agrees. "I guess I would add, do not worry at all about what other people are doing: You're in a race with yourself. Do what you love, and if you find what you love to do, don't let anyone tell you not to do it."
"You have to find a way to keep it in your life," Justin adds. "You have to."