Thinking ahead to his future career, Ben Harris already makes effective use of his time.

The Lancaster Christian School senior has several years of work experience on his résumé and understands the importance of sharpening his networking skills.

"I've been working with Clair Brothers Audio in Lititz as a shop technician, getting cables and equipment ready for tours," Harris said.

"I'm also vice president of a smaller sound company, Triumph Expressions. We do sound, lighting, and video for school and church functions."

The 18-year-old's interest in technology began when he was a middle school student.

"I started doing sound in sixth grade at my church, and I still run sound for services at Calvary Church in Lancaster," Harris said.

The teen will be enrolled in the electronics technology program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster beginning in the fall. He plans to add to his resume this summer.

"Clair Brothers has a 12-week 'roadie-in-training' program so that I'll be able to go on tour with Clair. I want to try going on a tour or two just to see what it's like," he added.

Harris, one of 17 members of his school's Class of 2010, serves as class chaplain on the school's student government.

He and his classmates traveled to the Dominican Republic on a missions' trip with Hope International last November.

"We worked with a church that had an after-school program for children. We taught English and played games with them. And we also did small construction work in the community we were in."

Harris said he was especially impressed with the spirit of the Dominican children.

"They would jump around when we would come in, and they all wanted their pictures taken with the digital cameras."

Harris is an active member of his youth group at Calvary Church. He accompanied one of the church's musical groups during a mission trip to New York City.

This year, Harris is serving as co-editor of the school yearbook. He uses his technological background to coordinate the visual side of the publication, including the photos, layout and indexing of the photos.

This year's yearbook theme is an acknowledgment of the final year Lancaster Christian will be a separate entity. The school is merging with Living Word Academy in the fall.

"We chose the title, 'The End to a New Beginning' as this year's yearbook title. It's not supposed to be somber, but it's a tribute to the final year we will officially be Lancaster Christian School."

Harris played for the school's soccer team from sixth through 12th grades. He completed his final season playing center defense this past fall. He was also presented the Coach's Award in honor of his sportsmanship.

When he's not studying or working, Harris enjoys swimming and traveling with his family.

"When my brother played high school soccer, we got to travel around the country to watch him in tournaments. We also try to plan a few days of beach time in Ocean City, N.J., each year."

Harris said he took his most memorable trip when he was just 15.

"We had a Mexican exchange student at our school, so I decided that I would travel with my friend to his home in Mexico City to see him. That was the first time I was out of my country and on my own. It was pretty cool."

Harris is the son of Doug and Joyce Harris. He has an older brother, Jared. He and his family live in Lancaster.