Built for the Future Blog - Shelby Joubert

By Shelby Joubert, Barbe High School

Calcasieu Parish School Board’s (CPSB) mission of Building Foundations for the Future is more than a statement, it is a reality, one that I have experienced throughout every stage of my education. My journey truly began in middle school, where the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities first allowed me to discover my voice as a leader. With the encouragement of Mrs. Ashley Guidry, who quickly became far more than just my sixth-grade English teacher, I joined National BETA Club. She recognized potential in me before I fully recognized it in myself and consistently pushed me to pursue excellence. Through BETA, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and ultimately earned the honor of serving as the Louisiana BETA Leadership Representative and one of two National Junior BETA Leadership Ambassadors. My head sponsor, Mr. Reginal Marshall, reinforced those lessons by “keeping it real” with us, teaching that leadership is not about a title, but about responsibility, integrity, and action. The confidence, discipline, and resilience I built during those years did more than bring middle school success; they shaped the mindset I carried into high school. Through those experiences, I entered high school prepared to lead, ready to take initiative, and unafraid of challenges.

That preparation was immediately evident when I entered high school. I had already learned how to organize projects, speak confidently, and represent my peers. I was able to step into leadership roles early on, including serving as Freshman Class President. What once felt intimidating, now felt like an opportunity. Through Student Council, I continued developing as a leader, learning how to collaborate with diverse personalities, manage large-scale initiatives, and accept constructive criticism with maturity. Feedback that once might have discouraged me, instead became fuel for growth.

At the same time, I intentionally broadened my involvement to explore new interests and sharpen my professional skills. Joining Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) allowed me to think strategically about leadership in a real-world context. FBLA provided a space where I could combine creativity with organization and vision with execution. I have been able to step into multiple challenging roles, allowing me to contribute to my school and share what it means to be a proud Calcasieu native.

Continuing my involvement in BETA at the high school level felt like a natural extension of the foundation I built in middle school, only now, I approached it with greater confidence and readiness. I am currently working toward once again earning the distinction of serving as a National Leadership Ambassador at the senior level, determined to represent my school community with the same excellence that first inspired me. Each organization, Student Council, FBLA, and BETA, have shaped a different dimension of my leadership, collectively creating an environment where I am not only able to participate, but to thrive.

Alongside my extracurricular involvement, CPSB has given me access to rigorous academic opportunities that have strengthened my preparation for the future. From the comfort of my high school campus, I have been able to enroll in multiple Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses, challenging myself to rise to college-level expectations while still benefiting from the support of my teachers and community. Balancing these demanding courses with leadership commitments has refined my time management skills and strengthened my work ethic. More importantly, these academic experiences, combined with my involvement in organizations like FBLA, BETA and Student Council, have helped me clarify my goals. I plan to major in business and eventually attend law school, pursuing a career that allows me to merge leadership, strategy, and advocacy.

The combination of academic rigor and meaningful extracurricular involvement has created a foundation of discipline, confidence, and ambition that I will rely on for the rest of my life. Because of CPSB, I am not only prepared for college and career, I am prepared to lead boldly, perhaps even one day pursuing the highest office in the nation as President of the United States.