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 2025-26 school year, the MCSD school board will hear from three representatives.
Nyemade Harmon, a Junior at Marshalltown High School, is one of the three representatives. Learn more about Nyemade and her Bobcat story by reading her responses to the following Q&A:
What activities are you a part of at MHS?
National Honor society, literature over lunch, I did football cheer my freshman and sophomore years, Poetry Out Loud, Speech and debate.
What is your favorite subject and why?
I would normally say English is my favorite subject but this year I'm taking intro to psych for social studies and I love it, I am also taking Spanish which I really love too. I love Intro to psych because I am fascinated with the human brain and learning about mental processes and why humans act and do what they do. I love Spanish because languages are very interesting to me, which is probably why I've always loved English. I've always been very advanced in English; I love writing and reading.
What talent would you like to learn some day?
Playing the piano. The piano is one of the most beautiful instruments to me, along with the flute, saxophone, violin, and guitar. I have learned some songs and piano and I catch on pretty quick, I also played the violin for a little bit but ended up dropping it. One day, I would love to learn how to play the piano.
What has been your favorite school memory so far and why?
My favorite memory so far, is joining speech and debate and making it to all--state with my original oratory and public address. I truly love competing with my friends and the togetherness we all have, the support and how we cheer for each other. My first year of cheer was also very special but that was more so the whole year, not a specific moment or memory.
What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
My proudest accomplishment is probably making it to all-state for speech and debate IHSSA. Along with having a 4.0 GPA and being the top of my class while doing all of my extracurriculars and having a home life. I am really proud of that, it takes a lot of sacrifice, staying up late to get work done and responsibility.
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far?
"Take breaks." "Don't stress yourself." "if you can't change it, don't worry about it."
What is your biggest dream or goal in life?
To leave this world better than when I entered it. To prove to myself, my family, all of the people who believed in me, that our investment was worth it. To find fulfillment and peace.
Who is your hero and why?
I don't idolize any one person, but the people who inspire me the most are those who went through hardship and still came out on the other end better and brighter than before. I think it's such a beautiful thing when someone can use their experiences to change the world for the better. I find myself really loving the protagonists in shows and on TV for this reason.
What are your plans for after high school?
I plan on going to an ivy league college close to/in the state where I am from (Connecticut) so I can be closer to family. I want to major in Pre-Med and become a Doctor that sub-specializes in working with children. I am not sure what specialty yet, though I have ideas; I still need to do more research. I want to continue public speaking and advocating for the world I want to see. I want to write a book and maybe an organization of my own.
What does it mean to you to embrace the lead?
Embracing the lead means looking forward, keeping your eyes on your goals and your vision for the future instead of looking back to see who's following you. It means taking initiative and being proactive. It means being the change you want to see.