T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — Marshalltown High School (MHS) senior and upcoming commencement speaker Marilyn Mora Montalvo, center, is pictured with High School Special Education Teacher Sandy Dale, left, and MHS Principal Justin Boliver, right.

Throughout her time as a student in the Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD), Marilyn Mora Montalvo has been a shining light of positivity and hope to both her fellow students and the staff who have had the privilege to work with her. She has received the special honor of being selected as a commencement speaker for the upcoming ceremony on Sunday, May 31, and Mora Montalvo couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.

“Everybody knows me, and I’m excited for graduation this year,” she said.

After college, Mora Montalvo has plans to go to work for Mid-Iowa Workshop(MIW) in Marshalltown, which provides supported employment services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. MHS Principal Justin Boliver said Mora Montalvo doesn’t know a stranger in the building, excels in cheerleading and is never afraid to make new friends.

“She’s so polite, and she always just has a big heart and a great attitude. People see Marilyn coming, and they just start smiling,” he said. “And I think one of the things that’s super important to note is (that) we’ve talked about ‘All Means All’ in our school district, and we don’t just preach it. We do it.”

Mora Montalvo had to go in front of the commencement committee and give her speech just like everyone else, and Boliver noted that she had “a lot of great things to say.” High School Special Education Teacher Sandy Dale, who Mora Montalvo described as her “favorite,” offered a similar assessment of the way she lights up a room and makes friends with everyone.

“She really makes you feel good about yourself. She compliments all of us. She lets us know that she cares about us. She just brightens the day,” Dale said. “She greets us every morning at the door. As we come in, she greets us and tells us good morning. And all throughout the day, we’re getting smiles and compliments. And she works so hard.”

She has also excelled in cheerleading at the Special Olympics, and she loves all sports. Right now, Mora Montalvo is busy putting the finishing touches on her big speech, but she’s confident that her message will meet a receptive audience.

“Marilyn will be one in my heart. She’s just stolen our hearts. When she did practice our speech, I think we’re up to a count of 12 adults that have cried,” Dale said. “That ‘All Means All’ attitude. We have to look at all the kids as ‘They’re equal, and they can do it.’ And I think Marilyn’s just opening that door. She’s opening that door to let everybody in the school know.”

She has also practiced the speech in front of two classrooms of students she didn’t know, and once she’s officially graduated, Dale is excited to watch Mora Montalvo make the entire community smile.

“She’s so happy and living her best life, and I want to live life like she does,” Dale said.