News

He’s fast on the track, a leader with character and good with his grades. Charles Shaw, a senior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St Louis Charter High School (CHS), is a great example of an athlete scholar, according to Shawn Roundtree, CHS social worker, head track coach and athletic director. 

“I work hard on being a great example of a student-athlete role model, both on and off the field,” said Shaw. 

“Charles Shaw is one of the best track student-athletes to come through the CHS track program,” added Roundtree. 

Most recently, Shaw broke his personal record in the 200-meter dash while performing at the Indoor National Track Meets on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Arkansas State in Jonesboro. Shaw took first in his heat with a time of 22.53 seconds. 

“It was my first indoor 200-meter race,” smiled Shaw. “I felt very confident. I’m proud of it, and I plan on running even faster than that.” 

Shaw has been on the CHS track team for four years. In his junior year, the track star leaped 6.32 meters in the long jump, a school record that remains today. 

“I practice hard,” offered Shaw. “Coach Roundtree has high expectations of not only me, but the rest of my track teammates. He depends on me to make sure we are accountable and responsible for getting in shape, especially with our limited training facilities.” 

Shaw adds that during his time at the school, he has found Roundtree to be someone students can depend on for help and direction. Shaw is also part of the St. Louis Warriors indoor track team thanks in part to Roundtree. 

With his success and all of the practicing, exercising and track meets, Shaw has set his long-range plans in a different direction. 

“I do love track, but I want to be an engineer,” explained Shaw, an honor roll student. “I like math. I like coming up with new ideas. I want to help build things that will make life easier and the world better.” 

“And when I retire, I’d like to be a track coach,” he concluded. 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.  

Photo:
Charles Shaw, CHS senior, works hard on the track field and at his grades.