By Derrick Smith
Everyone works towards being successful. Whether it is in their job, academics, athletics, or something else, we all want to be the best that we can be. Lauren Buben is a high school student-athlete at Duncan High School, and she says that while success may be tough to reach in her sport as a shot put and discus thrower, she still works hard to achieve it.
“Success as a thrower is something that can be difficult to come by,” she said. “You have to be determined, logical, and open-minded. In an individual event like throwing, you do not have a team to rely on. It is all on you to perform. In order to be successful at meets, I have to just trust my body and mind to do the right thing. You can never force a big throw.” Along with being a part of the track team, she is also involved in a number of things around campus and in the community.
“I am vice-president of our student council,” she stated. “I am also the treasurer of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Students Against Destructive Decisions, treasurer of Key Club, president of Lucky Circle Social Club, a member of the varsity track and field team, and a member of the Special Olympic Unified Track and Volleyball teams. Throughout the state, I am the Duncan Public Schools representative in Joy Hofmeister’s Student Advisory Council, a member of the Senior Development Program for the High School Leadership Conference at the University of Oklahoma, and a member of the Oklahoma Association of Student Councils.”
Lauren has had a number of memorable experiences while competing, but she says that there is one that is her favorite.
“Qualifying for the Class 5A state track meet this year would be my highlight moment,” she said. “It has always been a big dream of mine and it finally happened.”
In most cases, Buben does not care who her opponent is when she steps into the circle. But if a certain school is represented, she definitely wants to beat them.
“If I can ever beat an Ardmore girl, I feel pretty good about myself,” she stated. “It’s hard to come by since they have an incredible group of throwers this year.”
