From homecoming queen to Navy recruit: White Settlement ISD student shows no fear
Posted By DFWNews.app Publisher Posted On

From homecoming queen to Navy recruit: White Settlement ISD student shows no fear

Carlie Simon, graduate of White Settlement ISD’s Brewer High School, accepts her title of homecoming queen on Oct. 12, 2023. (Courtesy | White Settlement ISD)
” data-medium-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0989.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0989.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1″>
Congratulations to the class of 2024! Fort Worth Report is marking graduation season with a three-part series examining the main pathways that students can take after high school.

Carlie Simon never passed up an opportunity, approaching each with anticipation. 

The graduate of White Settlement ISD’s Brewer High School was involved in just about anything she could get her hands on: theater and clubs like Blue Crew, the school’s pep squad, were all fair game.

Sponsored

She also involved herself with anyone who would give her their attention. With a booming voice and a huge smile, Simon is a commanding presence in any room she steps into. She was voted Brewer High School’s class of 2024 homecoming queen — her charm is a large part of her personality.

But there’s more to Simon than her homecoming queen side, she said. The honor, in no way describes her whole story. Simon has already enlisted in the military and took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test in October 2023. 

In a few months, she’ll report to a Naval training base in Great Lakes, Illinois. After that, she’ll be shipped to Pensacola, Florida. 

“So many people talk about the bad things that come with the Navy, but they don’t think about the things that will help you in the future,” Simon said. 

The Navy will improve Simon’s communication, teach her responsibility and allow her to lead any group with ease — if she doesn’t already. 

At Brewer High, as her title of homecoming queen attests, Simon was one of the school’s most well-liked and known students — and she loved it.

“My experience has been wonderful,” Simon said.

Aja Jones, Brewer High’s theater director, said that Simon has a passion for life and a true curiosity about the world. She makes a difference in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with, Jones said.

“She has a contagious joy, a strong spirit and an energy that will make you better for knowing her,” Jones said.

Under Jones’ watch, Simon acted in several plays during her four years at Brewer High, three of which were musicals. Though she doesn’t consider herself a singer — she’s no Adele, she said, and she isn’t Carly Simon — she played Mike’s mom in “Wonka” and said it was a magical performance.

While Simon is excited about her military service, the curtains will never close on her love for theater and acting, she said. When her service ends, Simon plans to pursue acting full time.

“I hope, too, to continue to pursue acting wherever I’m stationed. I want to soak in as much culture and art as possible and maybe even take online college courses,” Simon said. 

Sponsored

Enlisting in the military also saves Simon money.

Without the military, Simon wouldn’t afford college acting courses, she said. During a personal finance class her junior year, the reality of student loans and debt became apparent.

“I realized that I didn’t want to be in debt for the rest of my life or be trapped in a 9-to-5 job,” Simon said. “The military offered a way to avoid that, with … benefits like education funding and physical fitness.”

The influence of family members who served in the military also played a role, Simon said. Her mother served in the Army, and other relatives in the Navy. They provided her with a perspective on military life, too.

But the greatest influence on her decision may have been God, she said. She doesn’t shy away from the dangers enlisting in the military could present. Her faith in God is stronger than her fear, she said. 

“My connection with God has guided me through this decision,” Simon said. “I prayed for clarity, and I received signs pointing toward the Navy. I believe He has my back.”

While enlisting in the Navy requires rigorous preparation, Simon has embraced it.

See also  With eyes on the future, Fort Worth Country Day unveils new $25M lower school

“I have to work out all the time just so when I get to boot camp I won’t die and throw up everywhere,” Simon said.

Her role in the Navy will be as a technician, with a focus on intelligence. Soon, Simon could be deciphering messages from across the world. 

“I’m kind of like a spy,” Simon said. 

She’s excited to see what experiences await her during service, and glad she will have no student loans to pay, Simon encourages students who are on the fence about college to think about enlisting in the military.

“Don’t stress about it,” Simon said. “If you have to really talk yourself into it, it might not be for you. Think about the sacrifices and the benefits, and make sure it’s your decision, not anyone else’s.” 

After all, that’s how she always heard it should be.

Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or @MatthewSgroi1 on X. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *