LIVERMORE — Mason Labonte, 17, is already involved in more activities than many adults have been in their lifetime.

The junior at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay has a long list of achievements as he prepares to become a senior in the Class of 2026.

The 17-year-old has been recognized for his leadership roles, his knowledge, and his kindness toward others.

He serves as the student representative on the Regional School Unit 73 board of directors and was recently elected state president for the Maine chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.

“Although I’m just beginning in both roles, I’m passionate about student leadership and committed to ensuring that people’s voices are heard. I believe in servant leadership and look forward to learning and serving in both positions throughout the year,” Labonte said. “Outside of my formal roles, most of my time is spent involved in school-based activities, including co-leading our robotics team, which continues through the summer.

How did you become interested in the activities you are involved in?

My involvement in robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was influenced early on by my siblings. Both my sister and brother participated in FIRST LEGO League and SMART Robotics. As a fourth and fifth grader, I often tagged along to their events, volunteering and observing how the programs worked. That exposure sparked a genuine interest in how things are built and how teams solve problems together.

By sixth grade, I had seen how transformative the experience was for my siblings and decided to join myself. Since then, I’ve grown through every role — participant, mentor, and leader — and expanded my involvement to include student government, drama, outreach, and environmental science competitions like Envirothon. Each step has only deepened my passion for learning, leadership and service.

What is the most prestigious recognition you have received and why does it stand out to you?

The most meaningful recognition I’ve received is being named the 2024 National High School Heart of the Arts Award recipient for Section 1. That honor meant so much because it wasn’t just about what I’ve accomplished — it was about how I’ve done it. The award recognizes character, perseverance, and service to others, and it affirmed that staying true to my values and working to uplift those around me really matters. It reflected both my involvement in the arts and my efforts to make school a more inclusive and supportive space.

Another recognition that stands out is my nomination to the FIRST Robotics Dean’s List during my junior year by my team, Blue Crew (Team 6153). Even though I didn’t move past the Pine Tree District, the nomination alone was one of the greatest honors I’ve received. It showed me how much my mentors and teammates believed in me, and how much they appreciated my leadership, advocacy and commitment to our team culture. Being recognized like that by people I admire so deeply meant everything.

Once you got involved, how did your roles and responsibilities grow over time?
I began in FIRST LEGO League, working on innovation projects, design and team presentations. Eventually, I began mentoring middle school FLL teams, passing on what I had learned. In high school, I joined the FIRST Robotics Competition team, Blue Crew, where I now serve as business and sustainability executive. I manage our finances, coordinate sponsorships, draft grant applications, and help lead outreach and media efforts, including a documentary series about our team.

Beyond robotics, I’ve supported digital initiatives for clubs, mentored students, served in student council, and led schoolwide projects like disability awareness training. My roles have grown with my skills, and I’ve always tried to create opportunities not just for myself, but for the students coming behind me.

What is it like to be made an honorary student member of the Regional School Unit 73 board of directors?

Being named an honorary student member of the RSU 73 board of directors was especially meaningful to me because I’ve long had a personal interest in organizational leadership and parliamentary procedure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when board meetings were streamed online, I started watching them regularly out of genuine interest in how decisions were made and how formal meetings operated.

That interest stayed with me, and I was recently selected as one of two student representatives to the school board for my senior year. Although my role has not officially started yet, I view this as an opportunity to learn and to ensure students have a voice in the decisions that affect their education.

Do you have a passion for helping people succeed in life?

Absolutely. Growing up in a small community taught me the importance of helping others and wanting to see people thrive. That mind-set has guided everything I do. Whether mentoring FIRST Lego League students, organizing inclusive school events, or advocating for STEM funding at the state level, I work to create environments where people feel supported and empowered to succeed. Helping others reach their potential is not just a goal of mine, it’s something I take action on every day.

What do you like to do most?

To really understand what I like to do, you have to understand how much I love what I do. I don’t take on responsibilities lightly. I commit to them fully because they’re meaningful to me. Whether it’s robotics, student leadership, mentoring, or creating opportunities for others, I find purpose in giving back. I’m most fulfilled when I’m doing work that matters to others, and that’s what keeps me motivated.