2024 Lewisburg High School Award Recipients

The Lewisburg Arts Council is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of our annual Performing Arts and Visual Arts Awards, Lewisburg graduating seniors Liam Shabahang and Owen VanKirk.  

Performing Arts 

We applaud the selection of Liam Shabahan as this year’s Performing Arts recipient.

Liam is active musically, both as an instrumentalist and as a vocalist.  His passion for music in many forms is evident in his being selected to perform in numerous honors festivals for band and choir on the district, regional, and state levels.  

From leading the Marching Dragons trumpet section to serving as the choir president, Liam demonstrates leadership, dependability, and commitment to the Lewisburg Area High School’s music program.

Liam’s involvement in the spring musicals during his entire high school career speaks not only to his talent but also to his dedication. Playing any lead role requires hard work. But his portrayal of the conflicted Mr. Banks in this year’s performance of Mary Poppins made it appear effortless … not to mention a lot of fun!

Recently, he earned his Eagle Scout award.  

Liam will be attending Boston College starting this fall.

Visual Arts

We also extend our congratulations to this year’s Visual Arts recipient, Owen VanKirk.

Through his work in AP Art and Design, Owen has explored his artistic vision, using the power of art to evoke feelings and satisfy personal goals.  Blending realism and anatomy with the supernatural, Owen finds inspiration in everything from ancient Greek myths to modern concerns such as the consequences of nuclear weaponry.

As a member of Lewisburg High School‘s National Art Honor Society chapter, Owen has willingly and reliably volunteered to help in the art room and with extracurricular projects, giving the gift of arts experiences to others.

When he’s not engaged in artistic pursuits, Owen enjoys biking, running, hiking, and walking, as well as playing games and watching movies.

Owen plans to study architecture at Marywood University starting this fall.

We are especially delighted to recognize these students who share their love of the arts with others.  We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.

And we are grateful to our members, who make it possible for us to recognize these well-deserving students.