Bella Storjohann — Photo by Levi Roseland Photography

(Editor’s note: Bobcat Spotlight is a recurring feature spotlighting Marshalltown High School students who are involved in activities other than traditional sports.)

As one of the original members of Marshalltown High School’s FFA chapter, Bella Storjohann is able to develop a lifelong love of animals into a potential career.

Storjohann and fellow MHS senior Lydia Colwell, with the help of advisor Tara Gray, started the group last year. Storjohann serves as the chapter’s vice president, and Gray said she was one of the first students to ever take an agriculture class at the school.

“She competed in many contests last year and took advantage of being a delegate at both districts and state,” Gray said. “She is always one to step up when needed and willing to do anything that I ask of her.”

Storjohann looks forward to the National FFA Convention scheduled for Nov. 1-4 in Indianapolis, just one of many opportunities for Storjohann and other FFA members to hang out with friends, and learn the business of FFA.

She has also taken advantage of an SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) at Hometown Vet in Marshalltown, with hopes of one day entering veterinary science herself.

“I have always loved animals, ever since I was little,” Storjohann said. “I can understand their behavior, and I love learning about them. I’ve always known I wanted to do something in science.”

The SAE at Hometown Vet has taught her about restraining animals, providing customer service, preoperative and postoperative procedures, as well as proper sanitation.

When she isn’t working at Hometown Vet, she enjoys sewing, listening to music, and training her dogs.

Next up for Marshalltown FFA is a Barn Dance at the high school cafeteria from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Attendance is $10 per person, open to Marshalltown High School and Marshalltown Learning Academy students only. Halloween costumes, including face painting and makeup, are encouraged with prizes awarded to the top individual, top couple, and top group costumes.

“The goal of the dance is to promote the well-being of our students mentally and physically, just a good way to bring MHS together,” Storjohann said.

Bella Storjohann

Other extracurriculars: Wrestling Cheerleading

Something you can’t go a day without: My phone

Favorite road trip: When I went to the Flo Rida concert with my friends Ava and Chesni

Dream vacation destination: Jamaica

What are you listening to right now? “Mr. Biggs” by Lil Double 0

Favorite class: Chemistry

Favorite show: “Grey’s Anatomy”

Favorite book: “It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover

Favorite phone app: Music (Apple)