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Community service is a passion for Lay Gay Paw.

The senior at Marshalltown High School reflects that passion both in numerous extracurricular activities and focused studying in the classroom.

“Not only do I love helping others, but I also enjoy working with my peers on these initiatives,” Paw said.

Through Paw’s work as a member of the MHS chapter of the National Honor Society, she has helped the NHS tackle their focus on food insecurity this year through projects like a food recycling program and volunteering at the House of Compassion in Marshalltown, cooking and distributing meals to those in need.

This semester, NHS will be hosting a second bake sale and blood drive.

“Both are always well-supported,” Paw said. “The bake sale is especially popular and one of my favorite fundraisers, as many students enjoy bringing baked goods from home.”

Paw also noted work in the Health and Careers Club making baskets for a silent auction that raised over $1,000, as well as the annual trunk-or-treat event and designing a haunted maze for the community to enjoy last Halloween.

“Working with club members to bring these fun and meaningful events to life is always a rewarding experience,” Paw said.

Paw is also a Student School Board Representative this year, along with Charles Gilbertson, Gissel Hernandez Ibarra, Zander Stupp and Kaitlyn Yepez Ramirez.

This group allows for students to communicate directly with the district board on school activities, as well as participate in various events like “Day on the Hill” at the Capitol building to meet with lawmakers and lobbyists about matters important to the school district and education in Iowa, such as the Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program; Paw also attended the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Convention in Des Moines.

“These events are invaluable for building relationships with board members and gaining a deeper understanding of their work,” Paw said. “I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities, … for insight into the decision-making process and how board members communicate.”

Thanks to dual-enrollment courses at MHS, Paw is also graduating with an Associate in Science degree in Biology in May.

She plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in biology with a pre-med focus, and eventually attend medical school to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.

“My experience in service projects and fundraisers has strengthened my passion for helping others, … I’ve always known the medical field was my calling,” Paw said. “The field offers endless learning opportunities and I’m excited to dive more in-depth. My goal is to work in the operating room alongside a team of medical professionals, helping patients during critical times and making a difference in their lives.”

Lay Gay Paw

Extracurricular activities: Interact Club, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Health and Careers, Speech, Debate, Student School Board Representative, Math Team

Dream vacation destination: Rome

Hobbies: Listening to music, learning new things or exploring topics of interest

Favorite class: Math

Favorite movie: “La La Land”

Favorite book: “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

Favorite phone app: Pinterest