When Lucy Powell plays the cajón, or box drum, at youth retreats or for diocesan events, it’s more than simply playing an instrument.
“For me music is how I pray … Music is such a huge thing for me spiritually and hobby-wise. It’s so neat to bring that to kids and have them praise the Lord in that way,” the 22-year-old said.
A senior at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, she’s studying exercise science. After graduation, she will take a 17-week certification course in Nashville, Tenn., for audio engineering, working in the music studio and hoping to one day produce an album for the next big country or Christian artist.
She has stayed active in youth ministry and still volunteers at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock where her mother, Christie Powell, is director of youth ministry. For the third summer, she has interned with Alive in You, a Catholic service camp. She has spent six weeks working on the media team, taking photos and videos of teens at work sites and working in the control booth to “keep the show running” for evening sessions, she said. This summer she’s traveled to Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and Texas.
“I’ve been going to Alive in You for over 10 years now,” she said. “… Being able to give back in a way and serving them versus doing it as a camper … I get to see the other side of it and do so much more in a way.”