For Charlotte Schackmann, faith, music, and service are the pillars of a life well-lived. At first glance, her accomplishments may seem as varied as the notes of a musical score—lead performer in school musicals, drumline member, student leader, and Illinois State Scholar—but they all harmonize into a singular purpose: to uplift and inspire others.

At the heart of Charlotte’s journey is her unwavering faith. “Being a Christian is very important to me,” she says. “I try to exemplify my relationship with Jesus throughout all areas of my life and what I do.” That commitment has found a home in her leadership as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a role she cherishes not for the title, but for the opportunity to grow something larger than herself. “Seeing our FCA grow this year has been one of my greatest accomplishments,” she says. “It means we’re making an impact.”

But if faith is her foundation, music is her soul. From a young age, Charlotte found her voice—literally. “Singing means everything to me,” she says. She has taken the lead in three consecutive musicals, most recently as Katherine in Newsies. Before that, she graced the stage as Laurey in Oklahoma!, her voice carrying across the audience with a warmth and confidence earned through years of practice.

Music, she believes, has shaped her far beyond the stage. “It’s one thing to go out and perform as a character,” Charlotte reflects. “But it’s another thing entirely to go out in the world and just be yourself. Musical theater gave me the confidence to do both.”

That confidence extends beyond the performing arts. Charlotte has been deeply involved in her school community—serving on student council, competing in tennis, and excelling academically. And while she has loved the richness of her high school experience, her heart has always been drawn toward another calling: healthcare.

Next fall, Charlotte will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography. It was a passion born not just of curiosity, but of personal experience. “The first time I saw an ultrasound was when my mom was pregnant with my little brother,” she recalls. “I was fascinated that sound waves, not radiation, could create an image of something unseen.”

But it was her mother’s battle with breast cancer that truly solidified her decision. “They found my mom’s tumors because of an ultrasound. Other tests didn’t catch it,” Charlotte shares. “That technology saved her life. I want to be part of that kind of work—early detection, preventative care. It’s not just a career for me, it’s a calling.”

While Charlotte’s future lies in medicine, she knows that Jasper County will always be a part of her. Growing up in a small town, she learned the value of community, of being seen as an individual rather than a number. “In a big school, it might be harder to stand out,” she says. 

“Here, you can be unique without there being hundreds of other people doing the exact same thing. It gives you the chance to shine.”

Though she loves her hometown, Charlotte is ready to explore. “I used to think I wanted to move far away, to a big city,” she admits. “Now, I just know I want somewhere bigger than here. Somewhere with more opportunities.” But no matter where she goes, she carries with her the lessons learned in Jasper County—the power of faith, the beauty of music, and the calling to serve others.

For Charlotte, life is about more than achievements. It’s about using every gift—every note sung, every lesson learned, every opportunity given—to help others. And as she moves forward, one thing is certain: whether in a theater, a church, or a hospital room, her voice will continue to make an impact.