High 5: Jonesport-Beals multisport athlete working to make Maine communities better places for kids to grow up

JONESPORT, Maine (WABI) - We continue our “High 5″ segment tonight showcasing community sports volunteers and supporters. However, this week we feature an athlete who is making the community that has supported her, and many others like it, a better place to grow up...

Jonesport’s Skyla Libby certainly deserves a High 5.

“My family have been lobsterman and boatbuilders for generations. So, it was definitely in my family when I began,” says Jonesport-Beals senior Skyla Libby, “I started at the age of seven. Then at the age of 12, I was able to get my own boat. I now have my own traps.”

From an early age, Skyla Libby learned hard work pays off.

“It’s really opened my eyes to see what I need to do in my future,” Skyla says, “To be a good leader and a good role model.”

An ethic enhanced through the years playing multiple sports for the Royals.

“I love living in a community where sports are such a huge thing because we all enjoy playing them,” says Skyla, “Our whole town comes out and supports us.”

The versatile athlete is currently Miss Maine Dirigo Teen. She is competing at nationals this week in Florida. A title she earned over years of volunteering with Saco based Crossroads Youth Center.

“Crossroads is a 21-year-old youth organization,” says Crossroads Executive Director Deb Landry, “that focuses mainly on social awareness and raising resilient children.”

Traits Skyla learned as she grew older.

“I was bullied very heavily as a young child,” says Libby.

It’s why she created the “Buddy Benches” program.

“I wanted children to have a safe place to go. Be able to really express themselves and be able to problem-solve themselves,” Skyla says, “And learn how to stand up for themselves. Because when I was younger, I wish I had something like this. Teach me how to stand up for myself.”

Skyla is growing the anti-bullying program at schools all around Maine.

“I give a presentation. Depending upon the school size I select ambassadors. They are the people that watch over the playground and watch over the bench,” says Skyla, “So when a child is feeling left out, or they’re getting bullied, or they just need a friend they go sit on the bench.”

It led to her nomination, and eventual winning, of the New England Patriots Myra Kraft Community MVP award.

“Couldn’t say anything but thank you,” says Skyla, “I had no words. It was so special to me. Then when I realized it was with the Patriots I was blown away!”

“Brings us $10,000 and we’re going to collaborate with her ‘Buddy Benches’ program,” says Landry, “Select schools across Maine to get a buddy bench and hope to raise more money to be able to do more benches.”

If you or your community is interested in the project they will be accepting applicants for Buddy Benches on the Crossroads website starting in January.

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