THOMASVILLE- The Rotary Club of Thomasville recognized its Students of the Month on Thursday afternoon, presenting Miriam Simmons of Brookwood and Spencer Webb of Thomas County Central with a certificate, allowing them to share information about their future ambitions with the club. 

Simmons has attended Brookwood for 14 years and is a proud member of the graduating class of 2025. 

“Brookwood School has really given me an amazing experience with its close-knit family and never-ending support in everything its students do,” Simmons said. 

Simmons said the greatest example of both support and family can be found in the all-school musical, where she recently played Glinda the Good Witch. 

“I’ve now participated in 13 school musicals, and can’t imagine life without it,” she said. “Since it incorporates all grade levels, it strengthens the bond between the grades at Brookwood School.” 

Simmons explained teachers can even be found in the productions on occasion, truly making it an all-school musical. 

“I believe the theater family the musical creates has truly shaped me as an individual in every aspect of my life,” she explained. “It has taught me patience when I had to wait and progress to get a leading role; it has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to try more challenging roles, and it has taught me with perseverance and practice, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.” 

Outside of the arts, Simmons told the audience she participates in both Varsity Basketball and Football Cheerleading. 

The squad hosts two cheerleading camps for the lower school students, which has allowed Simmons to create another family within the Brookwood community. 

“We cheerleaders have the privilege of mentoring the lower school girls, who, through our leadership will want to grow up and be cheerleaders as well,” she said. “For me, getting to participate in these cheer camps as a little girl is what made me grow up and love cheer.” 

Beyond her endeavors on the cheer squad and in the musical, Simmons is involved in Brookwood’s Literary and One Act teams, along with the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. 

When not at school, Simmons said she enjoys volunteering in the community, often helping with her church’s Vacation Bible School camps, and at Pebble Hill Plantation. 

Her favorite role has been playing the Easter Bunny during Pebble Hill’s annual Easter events. 

“I find it such a joy to see all of the kids in the community get together and have fun,” she said. 

However, her true love lies at Rose City Ballet, where she is in the Senior Company. 

Simmons has danced since she was 3-years-old, sharing she has been blessed to be taught and mentored by Lovedy Griner. 

“She has helped me progress not only as a dancer but as a person too,” Simmons said. “She teaches her dancers to push themselves and keep going, even when it’s hard.” 

Simmons went on to say that Griner introduced her to performing on stage, and thanks to her and the many others who have helped along the way, Simmons can now continue her career next year at LaGrange College, where she hopes to major in Musical Theater. 

Simmons concluded by thanking her parents, the Brookwood Staff, and the Rotary Club for their continued support of her ambitions as she enters the next chapter in her life. 

With a rousing round of applause, TCC’s Webb introduced himself. 

Also a senior, Webb has been appreciative of the opportunities afforded to him throughout his time in the county school system. 

“There are so many extracurricular activities and classes I can take,” he said. 

Webb shared he is a member of the concert, jazz, and marching band, as well as part of the Future Business Leaders of America, recently making it to the State Round in his Region Competition, and a member of the National Honor Society. 

“My experience in high school has grown me into the person I am, also showing me what my interests and strong suits are, as I go to college,” he said. 

Webb shared one of the most valuable things he has learned through his various activities is to always be patient and kind toward others, as no one truly knows what is happening in their life outside of school. 

As for his future ambitions, Webb has been accepted to Georgia Southern’s Honor College, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on vehicle testing and design. 

“The reason I chose Mechanical Engineering as my major is because I’ve always wanted to know more about how things work under the hood. I love learning about vehicles and automobiles,” Webb said, before thanking his teacher Mark Thompson, for continuously mentoring him throughout high school, ensuring he succeeded in whatever his goals were. 

Webb concluded by thanking his parents, telling them he never would have made it this far without their unwavering support. 

The Rotary Club gave both students a thunderous round of applause before the students headed back to school with a newfound sense of support.