With college rapidly approaching, Graves County High School senior Ella Sims aspires to pursue a business major, after a career pathway in the area seasoned her for the past four years.
However, she said a psychology major is also appealing for delving into human nature and the positive impact she could make on others.
Sims is this week’s Murray State University Teen of the Week. She is considering attending either Murray State or West Kentucky Community and Technical College for what she described as the joy of edification.
“I am going to college to expand my knowledge on topics I truly enjoy, not just because it’s the next step,” Sims said. “Business is one of my passions in life, but I feel like psychology is one of those things I can do to make a difference.”
Sims holds a 3.87 GPA and is currently slated to graduate with honors.
This semester, she expressed a desire to challenge herself through upper-level courses like AP Statistics, AP Chemistry and an introductory psychology class, all while honing her business acumen with Entrepreneurship and Fashion Marketing.
When she is not enjoying sewing or reading as hobbies, Sims serves as the secretary for the GCHS Science Club, where she helps oversee outreach projects with the community like the Fall Science Festival at the elementary school.
Another such endeavor was planting a “moon tree.” Partnering with Lowes Home Improvement in Mayfield, the Science Club nurtured and grew a seedling that NASA sent to orbit the moon for a month.
Sims’ other community service includes assisting with toy and food donation drives at Graves County Middle School, organizing and distributing food through local churches, and participating in the fire rescue squad’s Christmas charity in the aftermath of the December 2021 tornado.
Guier Millikan, the senior guidance counselor at GCHS, characterized Sims as a “talented, intelligent young lady” with remarkable traits of diligence and a drive to succeed. He said these qualities of character will only benefit her post-secondary trajectory.
“I can personally attest to what a polite, friendly and hard-working student she is,” Millikan said. “She is well-spoken, wise beyond her years and motivated. I have absolutely no doubt that she will truly excel in college.”
Kelli Cash, an office technology instructor, further highlighted Sims’ dedication to excellence, deeming her as a standout student at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center.
Along with a rigorous course load at GCHS, Cash said Sims has shined in CSC 199, her computer class for Murray State University, and as a career apprentice managing various office duties.
She said Sims’ certifications in Microsoft Office, Admin Support, Business Management and Marketing demonstrate a proficiency that sets her apart from peers, a promising indicator of her potential in the academic and professional spheres.
“It is evident Ella has great abilities in the areas of academics, leadership and her potential to be successful,” Cash said. “She is respectful, kind and consistently reliable. Her work ethic is clear in her academic achievements. Ella is a student who has proven these abilities time and time again, not only in the classroom but throughout the community.”
Sims said the influence of friends and family played a pivotal role in cultivating these attributes, particularly her sister who is the AP Chemistry teacher at GCHS.
She said her sibling instructor spearheaded the class trip to the Murray State Chemistry Competition, which she said was very enriching and excited her for the next chapter.
“This helped me experience the college campus and brought me to a whole new area,” Sims said. “My family and friends are a key factor in my success. They have supported me one hundred% throughout my journey, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”
Though she has not fully solidified her path after high school, Sims said the foundation, a passion for learning and expanding her horizons, remains unchanged.
She said the only barrier is self-doubt, and she encouraged anyone to conquer through perseverance and a willingness to venture into the unknown.
“Sometimes when I’m nervous, I just have to put myself out there,” Sims said. “That creates a lot more opportunities with school and people.”