The Marshalltown Community School District offers high school students the opportunity to serve as Student School Board Representatives. These student leaders provide valuable perspectives and share updates on events and activities at Marshalltown High School. For the 2024-25 school year, the MCSD school board will hear from five representatives.
Charles Gilbertson, a senior at Marshalltown High School, is one of the five representatives. Learn more about Charles and his Bobcat story by reading his responses to the following Q&A:
What activities are you a part of at MHS?
Cross Country, Swim, Track, National Honor Society, National History Day, Quiz Bowl, Decision Point, Student Rotarian, S.T.E.P., and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
What is your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subjects are history and science because by reflecting on history we can help make a brighter tomorrow with science paving the way for that tomorrow.
What talent would you like to learn some day?
I would like to learn how to play a musical instrument such as the drums or guitar in the future.
What has been your favorite school memory so far and why?
I have made many great memories during my time at MHS, from the classroom to sports. However, my favorite memory comes from my freshman swim session and qualifying for the state swim meet. This is my favorite memory because I was able to represent not just myself but my team, school, and community to the whole state, showing what Marshalltown is capable of while competing in an activity I loved.
What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
My proudest accomplishment as a high school student was being a part of a group of students to found and help manage a student led Bible study at the high school. This inspired student interest and the creation of the national organization, Decision Point, which made creating a club fairly easy. This is my proudest accomplishment because it supplies a need to a high demand in our school and allows me to part of something greater and bigger than myself.
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far?
The best piece of advice I have received so far was that school, activities, and work are important and essential for your future, but don't forget to have fun and enjoy the present.
What is your biggest dream or goal in life?
My goal in life is to make a positive impact on my community by taking what I learn and applying it in ways that help people facing challenging circumstances.
Who is your hero and why?
People that have greatly impacted my life was a group of seniors during my freshman swim session, with each person imparting different pieces of advice that helped shape me to who I am now.
What are your plans for after high school?
My plans for after high school is to attend Iowa State University and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
What does it mean to you to embrace the lead?
To me, Embrace the Lead means stepping up to a greater purpose than yourself by initiating the change you want to see around you in both big and small ways.