While this alumnus already loved music, a few key educators in his life helped him see the bigger picture and realize his dreams of becoming an educator himself. After graduating in 2015, Willord Simmons set off to make those dreams a reality.
With stops at DeLeon Elementary, Crain Middle School, and Stroman Middle School along the way, Simmons eventually graduated from Victoria East High School.
Simmons found himself involved in many extracurriculars. From band to choir to tennis to NJHS to NHS to Tri-M to the Texas Future Music Educators and to community band, this student was rather busy. However, he didn’t let that affect his grades one bit, graduating cum laude in the process.
Being part of so many extracurriculars, Simmons was able to determine what he truly wanted to do post-high school. “VEHS influenced my life by providing me with numerous opportunities to grow my musicianship and leadership skills,” Simmons said. “Time spent while in high school allowed me to discover and explore my interests with supportive classmates, teachers, and administrators.”
Knowing what he wanted to do, the Victoria East graduate headed off to college at DePaul University’s School of Music. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. After this, he went on to attend, and graduate, from one of the most historically prestigious universities in the country. Simmons received his Master of Education in Higher Education from none other than Harvard University in 2020.
Though it is his hard work over the years that made this possible, Simmons credits educators from VISD with helping him realize his passion. Specifically, one of his favorite high school memories could have been the moment he recognized this. “After talking with Mrs. Jennifer Allison, the choir teacher and music theory instructor at that time, I was given the opportunity to help my peers with Music Theory work in my free period and also lead choral warm-ups for my choir period in my senior year,” Simmons said. “It was this time that helped me better understand my musical interests and sharpen my skills. Though I considered band to be my primary involvement and flute my primary instrument, this was the first time I was able to fully experience the transfer of my skills to a different setting. This was the first time I was able to envision myself as a music educator.”
Fast forward to present day, Simmons now works as the assistant director for Student Activities and Engagement at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. He is responsible for a comprehensive student activities program designed to meet the needs of both graduate and undergraduate students at the Eastman School of Music.
He uses what he learned during his time at VISD and Victoria East to be successful in his own career. Speaking on the district, Simmons said “VISD prepared me for my future by providing me with a strong sense of resilience, tenacity, grit, and an appreciation for differences. I believe that these characteristics are fundamental to who I am now and have contributed to my trajectory. I have carried that same sense of exploration forward and aim to provide my students with the same level of support and encouragement I received.”
Though he is off and running on his own, Simmons doesn’t forget those who left an impact on him, David Edge, band director at Victoria East during Simmons’ time and current director of Fine Arts for VISD being one of those people. “Mr. Edge has been and will always be one of the most influential people in my life,” Simmon’s said. “It was his care, compassion, encouragement, and constant guidance that led me toward the field of music education. Mr. Edge helped show me what I was capable of and gave me the support I needed to become a better student, musician, and overall person. He has been and continues to be a muse for me.”
As he follows in the footsteps of those who influenced him, Willord left a call to action for current VISD students. “I encourage current VISD students to seek out opportunities for growth,” he said. “There are many places to thrive within VISD and when you identify the place that makes you feel the most seen and understood, it can transform your experience for the better. Aim high, strive for what you want, and always try your best as you never know where your efforts might lead you.”
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Talk to us! We want to share about VISD alumni and what you’ve been up to since high school. If you are a VISD alumnus or know any alumni, email us at visdcommunications@visd.net with your contact information, and we’ll reach out to gather information from you.
Sienna Rodriguez is the communications specialist at Victoria ISD.