On Wednesdays, we’ll introduce the students who make up Year 10 of High School Confidential, powered by Danville Area Community College. Today: BHRA’s Lahna Benjamin.
She was 13 when her grandmother introduced Lahna to sewing. Several quilts, pillow cases and purses later, it’s clear Lahna is hooked.
“I loved to spend time with my Mamaw, and sewing was one of her favorite things to do,” she said. “I absolutely loved the process of it all, sitting in front of the sewing machine, cutting the fabric, pinning the cloths together, and especially spending time with my Mamaw.”
Heavily involved in school (Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council), Lahna still finds time to carry on Mamaw’s tradition. “Sewing and quilting is very time-consuming and takes lots of patience if you want the outcome to look perfect,” she said. “If you rush the sewing process, you may miss a stitch — or mess it up.”
Headed to Johnson University in Knoxville, Tenn., to study elementary education and theology, Lahna has thrived as BHRA’s student reporter. That includes her excellent photography business (LahnaBugPhotos) she continues to grow.
The school in Bismarck appreciates her work as much as we do.
“Every Friday, when I go into the office, there is always a pile of newspapers with post-it notes and names on top for people I have included in my report,” she said. “I have different people save my report for me in the newspaper and give it to me the following day, and it really makes me appreciate everything and everyone around me.”
She’s a big fan of her tiny hometown.
“Rossville is such a special place to live (with a) cozy feeling,” she said. “ I love driving through town in the summer and seeing all the kids run around and ride their bikes together. I have even walked out of my house before, seeing half the kids of Rossville swimming in my pool!”