Hello, my name is Kassi Simmons. I was born in Avondale, Ariz., on May 15, 2000. Growing up, I was very close with my grandfather. He was a photographer for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s and also wrote articles for the newspaper about the Steelers. That is where my love for journalism started and has only grown since then. I started writing all the time. I filled up journal after journal full of stories. Writing quickly became my favorite subject in school.

Last year, I was the starting second baseman for our varsity softball team. I ended up getting awarded Second Team All-Section by the Arizona Interscholastic Association. In middle school, I was involved in student council every year and was the president of our National Junior Honors Society chapter. This year, I am involved in the Distributive Education Clubs of America chapter here at Agua Fria. I am very excited to a part of our journalism program and can’t wait to get started!