With a new class of seniors preparing to graduate, it’s important to try to slow down time and recognize all that they have accomplished over their high school years. They’ve spent hours on their academic and extracurricular careers, and their work shows. One senior excelled in these categories and was one of the few chosen to be an outstanding senior at Millbrook Highschool, and her name is Kayden Simms!
Simms’ high school career has been full of her growth, involvement, and connections with others. Over the four years she has spent at Millbrook, she has delved deep into academics, being a leader to her peers, and serving her community. This involvement started early on, as she is a member of National Honors Society and a leader in National Achievers Society, Millbrook Student Ambassadors, DECA, and served on the Student Council her freshman and sophomore years, before moving onto the Millbrook Executive Board as an upperclassman. Recently, she was inducted into the Service Club, a high achievement for students and staff at Millbrook. When asked if she could give herself a senior superlative she said, “It would probably be most involved.”
Academically, her favorite class was a digital design class she took early on with Mr. Franzen. While the name of the course has changed over time, the impact it had on Kayden hasn’t. “That’s where I met most of my friends in the Digital Media Career Academy program,” she explained. “It set how everything was going to go for my high school experience.” In addition to strong bonds, she also gained valuable skills. “I learned how to use new programs like Adobe, which was pretty cool,” she said. DMCA launched Simms into her interest in technology and business.
If her friends had to describe her, she believes they would describe her as “kind, extra, and caring.” When talking to Kayden, you can feel the energy she brings as her smile lights up any room she enters. When she thought back to who impacted her time in high school the most she credited her teachers, staff members, and her friends. She also credits all of them to the thing she will miss most once she crosses the stage in June. The sense of community is something she will carry with her.
Thinking farther, if she could tell her freshman self any piece of advice she said it would simply be to “Keep going and stay focused. Don’t go off track.” This wise advice rings true for everyone, as this grit is the foundation to being determined and propelling yourself forwards every year.
Once she graduates, Kayden plans to attend a four-year college and major in Information Systems. Career wise, she is considering going into being a data analyst or a field that combines IT and business. “I’m excited to see how far I can get in my career,” she said as her ultimate goal is to be successful at a young age.
One of her many favorite high school memories is her freshman year homecoming, which represented the feeling of starting new in a fun environment. As she prepares to move on from an amazing experience at Millbrook, she reflects on the legacy she wishes to leave behind. “I hope I’ve helped…I want people to feel the progression I’ve made in clubs and that they know that getting involved matters.” She hopes that after her, new students feel encouraged and welcome to join clubs and seize the opportunity to try something new available to them.
As she steps into the next chapter of her life, and we sadly prepare to say goodbye, one thing is for certain. Kayden’s time in high school was marked by strong dedication, commitment, and involvement. Her legacy will continue to inspire everyone that comes after her. Congratulations, Kayden! We can’t wait to see the good you’ll do!
