A Spotlight on Phoenix Wellbaum: Passion, Perseverance, and Community Impact
Phoenix Wellbaum (they/them) is a remarkable young leader whose story is defined by their dedication to their community, their love for the arts, and their commitment to creating inclusive spaces. As a multifaceted student and active community member, Phoenix brings passion and empathy that inspires everyone around them.
Balancing School, Leadership, and Creativity
At Battle Mountain High School, Phoenix’s involvement is nothing short of inspiring. They’re the captain of the varsity speech and debate team, the president of the school’s thespian society, and a leader within the LGBTQ+ club. Their leadership in these spaces goes beyond typical extracurricular engagement; it represents their dedication to cultivating inclusive, supportive environments. Additionally, Phoenix is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, and Tri-M Music Honors Society. Through their role in Link Crew, they mentor freshmen adjusting to high school life and even volunteer their time tutoring an AVID class.
Outside of school, Phoenix’s passion for theater continues and they work part-time at Golden Peak Children’s Center. They find joy in reading, connecting with people, and exploring new perspectives through their love of reading. This balance of academic, artistic, and community pursuits speaks to Phoenix’s drive and discipline.
Embracing Growth and Becoming “Unapologetically” Themselves
When asked about their proudest accomplishments, Phoenix reflects on more than just titles and awards, though those are impressive, too. In the past year, they’ve starred as Velma in Chicago! And brought their speech and debate team to a second-place victory at the state level. Yet, their personal growth stands out as their most significant accomplishment. Phoenix has learned to celebrate who they are and put their heart and soul into their pursuits. “I’m most proud of the person I am becoming,” they shared, emphasizing that embracing self-worth and authenticity has been central to their achievements.
Passionate Youth, Inspiring Futures
Phoenix’s enthusiasm for working with youth is grounded in admiration for their peers’ unique passions. Witnessing young people passionately debate academic, artistic, or social topics fuels Phoenix’s hope for the future. “Everyone cares about something,” they note, pointing to the collective determination of Battle Mountain’s students, whether rallying around new school policies or shared interests. For Phoenix, this level of engagement underscores the potential for today’s youth to shape a better future.
Giving Back: Learning, Teaching, and Empowering Others
Phoenix’s volunteer work is extensive and spans various ages and disciplines. From middle school stage management at the Vail Performing Arts Academy to tutoring a senior AVID class, they’ve found numerous ways to give back. Phoenix emphasizes how these experiences have shaped them, particularly by teaching them to understand and empathize with different learning perspectives. “I’m the kind of person who can just understand things,” they admit, acknowledging how volunteering has honed their ability to approach academic topics from different viewpoints.
Through giving back, Phoenix finds themselves stepping out of their own world and appreciating the support they’ve received from family and mentors. “I think everyone deserves the best chance they can get,” they say, a philosophy that fuels their passion for helping others.
Advice for Younger Peers: Keep Doors Open and Embrace Change
For Phoenix, life is full of possibility and room for growth, and they encourage younger peers to keep their options open. “Never let doors close,” they advise, drawing on their experience with school, relationships, and college applications. They believe there is always a path forward, no matter how unexpected. This adaptability and positivity have helped Phoenix find new avenues when faced with setbacks and inspire them to look forward optimistically.
A Model for Resilience and Compassion
Phoenix Wellbaum’s journey as a student leader, advocate, and friend illustrates the power of passion and perseverance. They have shown that success isn’t just about personal accomplishments; it also involves uplifting others and contributing to a supportive community. As they continue to grow and evolve, Phoenix remains committed to making a difference, one heartfelt interaction at a time.
For their peers and mentors, Phoenix’s story is a powerful reminder that empathy and resilience can change lives—and that there’s always a way forward, no matter the challenges.
-Cat Stone, Prevention Specialist at Mountain Youth
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