Seniors Andrew Simms and Keely Goelden have been proudly announced as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Elysian Fields High School Class of 2023.
Andrew Simms achieved his role as Valedictorian while serving a vital role in FCA, Band, UIL Academics, Cross Country, and Track. Some of his many accolades include regional and state qualification in Cross Country, regional qualification in Track for both the 1600m and 3200m, Solo/Ensemble state qualification, as well as multiple UIL Academic awards. In both 2021 and 2022, Simms placed at state with his performance in UIL Science (Chemistry), and he will continue his legacy, just days before walking across the stage, at the state meet in UIL Science and Calculator Applications. Simms plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study Aerospace Engineering, with hopes of working at SpaceX after earning his degree.
Keely Goelden, a fellow Chemistry standout, has made a name for herself as well during her high school career. Goelden has competed at the state level in UIL Academics for the last three years, earning awards in Spelling and Vocabulary, Science, and Calculator Applications. Additionally, she serves as Vice President of her National Honors Society chapter, and captain of the FFA Shotgun team. She is a member of FCA, and serves as the senior representative of Student Council. Goelden also plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall and will be studying Chemical Engineering, a field that she has long looked forward to joining.
Also graduating within the Top 10 percent of the EFHS Class of 2023 class are: Bryanne Beavers, Carmen Lawless, Jacob McCray, and Hailey Carr.
Simms and Goelden will address their peers during their Class of 2023 graduation ceremony on May 19 in EFHS' Jacket Stadium at 7:30 p.m.