Adam Simpson sets the example for TJ Students.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
With a background deeply embedded in his Irish heritage, Senior Adam Simpson spends his time helping the community and learning about math, music, physics and college.
Born and raised in Denver, Adam Simpson still considers himself 100% Irish. He is very proud of his heritage and would like to travel back to Ireland visit family and learn Gaelic. “I would like to get a tattoo of my family crest. My brother and I want to move to Ireland at some point,” said Simpson. Despite having many dreams to visit his family’s homeland, Simpson still plans to go to college and pursue a career in the U.S.
Simpson always knew TJ was part of his future plans. He envisioned himself spending time here, alongside his friends. TJ already holds many memories dear to Simpson, from designing projects in physics to coming up with a creative way to ask Andrea Shacklock, his homecoming date, to the dance. “It was an elaborate occasion. I spelled out homecoming with pool noodles and then sat on the O, “ said Adam, remembering the hilarious occasion.
Being a creative thinker, Simpson also enjoyed the design projects in his physics class. “The projects in physics were great. AP Physics was lots of fun,” said Simpson. In the class he was able to design projects like the “Scrambler”, a small vehicle that had to be propelled by a one-kilogram weight carrying an egg for about 12 meters. Small memories like these have made Simpson’s time at TJ enjoyable.
Being very involved in physics, Simpson plans to move on to ACU (Abilene Christian University) and study physics and math. “I want to one day discover something amazing,” said Simpson, who is in the running for the Presidential Scholarship, one of the nation’s highest academic honors. It is presented to student community leaders who have a dedicated goal towards a higher education and have outstanding grades and school involvement.
Simpson is also an athlete and an artist. He wrestles, runs, and practices pole vault. Along with that, he plays many instruments and writes poetry.
“I began to get interested in music because my sister took lessons. I was kind-of jealous of her,” said Simpson. From then on he has learned to play the piano, drums, oboe, bassoon and the guitar. Adam writes most of his music himself; it is how he represents his passion. “My dream job would be to one day lead a musician’s life. At some point I want to see if I can do something with my music,” said Simpson.
As well as music, religion plays a large part in Simpson’s life. “I identify myself better with Christ than with the church, but I have a passion for people and joined the youth group,” said Simpson. With the Church group he has done neighborhood yard work for the elderly, mission trips and many other “unplanned” projects. This past summer the group went on a road trip and drove randomly until they found someone who needed their help. “We picked up a man who lived sparsely. We were able to give him a ride to see his family since he wasn’t doing very well on his own,” said Simpson, who believes he has the tendency to see beauty in everything; a tendency greatly appreciated by his teachers and friends.
“Adam is a brilliant student. He is very focused in physics and other subjects. He is also a great person, willing to help others in everything possible,” said Nelson Vore, Simpson’s AP Physics teacher. “I believe he will do a great job on anything he sets his mind on,” Vore added.
Adam Simpson continues to set the example for many other students in the TJ community. “I believe that in order to be successful you have to find something to love and dedicate your time to. I’ve found many things I love,” said Simpson.
