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

Vania Madrigal Ibarra strives to serve by leading and inspiring others.

She’s found that opportunity as president of the Marshalltown chapter of the National Honor Society.

“I can see several members of the NHS care about the well-being of our school,” said Madrigal Ibarra, a senior at MHS. “I’ve been able to make many connections with students and faculty and learned the importance of dedication and passion to an organization. … I see a lot of potential in our school district that is greatly supported by organizations like NHS.”

As NHS President, she organizes monthly meetings, fundraisers, and service projects like the fall blood drive and the recent “Reading in the Roundhouse” event.

The event, which she helped run along with NHS officers Meredith Kodis, Daisy Covarrubias Andrade, Mia Aguinaga and advisor Susan Fritzell, involved collecting books in good condition that were then distributed to elementary students as reading material over spring break.

Madrigal Ibarra was also one of the readers for the event, meant to promote literacy among the young students.

Her work with the NHS is perhaps only scratching the surface; she also is part of STEP (Students Teaching and Empowering Philanthropy), leads two school clubs — the National Hispanic Institute Club and MUJERES, a Latina feminist organization, participates in the ASTEM Science Bound program and also volunteers as manager for the high school soccer team.

“Vania is hardworking and community-minded,” Fritzell said. “She brings enthusiasm to our group which inspires others to also serve.”

As her time in high school comes to an end, Madrigal Ibarra looks forward to attending Iowa State University to pursue an Architecture major.

“This has always been my plan since I came to the United States five years ago,” she added. “I took the initiative to find better opportunities for myself by enrolling in many courses that would prepare me for my future at Iowa State.

“I’m a curious and passionate person, and my desire for learning will continue to grow as I become more educated and aware of what surrounds me.”

Name: Vania Madrigal Ibarra

Extracurricular activities: Students Teaching and Empowering Philanthropy, high school soccer manager, National Hispanic Institute Club, M.U.J.E.R.E.S., Science Bound

Something you can’t go a day without: The support from my loved ones

Favorite road trip: Camping with my family and friends during the summer

Dream vacation destination: Madrid, Spain

What are you listening to right now? Taylor Swift songs

It would surprise people that I…: learned how to read, speak, and translate in English in approximately a year

Hobbies: Reading, drawing, crafting, hiking, and walking during the summer

Favorite class: Civil Engineering and Architecture

Favorite movie: 1998’s “Mulan”

Favorite book: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

Favorite phone app: Pinterest