Seneca High School presents three co-valedictorians for the class of 2023

by Melissa R. Collum

This year Seneca High School has three co-valedictorians, Kendra Chambers, Evan Payne, and Lindsey Sime.
Kendra is the daughter of Rob and Kayla Chambers. Throughout her high school career Kendra has been active in volleyball, basketball, softball, SHARE (Students Helping Area Residents Efforts), Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Band, and PALS (People Actively Linked with Students)) Mentoring. “The best thing that I have learned from participating in extracurricular activities is the importance of making relationships with others,”notes  Chambers. “The activities that I have been involved with have allowed me to form friendships with so many different people and created connections that will last a lifetime.”
Chambers feels that the most important class that she took as Family Living with Mrs. Davidson. “We learned so much about finances, child development, and health that will be beneficial as we enter into life outside of high school,” commented Chamber.
One of Chambers best memories from high school is when the softball team made it to state her sophomore year. Chambers recalls that it was very unexpected, which made it even better, and it was so much fun.
When reflecting on what advice to give incoming freshman Chambers suggests to students that they should get involved and have fun and remember that high school isn’t always as serious as it seems. “You miss out on a lot of high school if you are not having fun,”states Chambers. “There is no avoiding it, so you may as well make the most of it.” Her advice to seniors is to make memories, have fun, and be happy. Everything goes by so much quicker than you think.
Chambers will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to major in Biology and then hopes to continue on to graduate school to become a Physician Assistant.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, teachers, coaches, community, and mentors for all of their support,”  comments Chambers.
Evan Payne is the son of Milo and Julie Payne. His future pans are to attend Viterbo University and major in engineering. Payne was active in football, basketball, baseball, SHARE (Students Helping Area Residents Efforts) Youth Leadership, FFA, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, PALS (People Actively Linked with Students) Mentoring Program. Payne notes that “Extracurriculars provided me with friendships and memories that will last forever. These activities taught me how to lose and the importance of community.” His favorite memory from high school is winning a conference championship in basketball his senior year.
Like Chambers, Payne feels that the family living class he took taught him many valuable life lessons that he will carry with him into the future.
Payne’s advice for incoming freshmen, is to have fun in high school. You only get four years of high school, and it flies by. Enjoy every moment with your friends. To incoming seniors, Payne states “attend every school event you can. You will remember these events and the memories you make more than anything else you do in high school. “
“I would never be able to thank everyone who has helped me over the last four years,” notes Payne. “The teachers, faculty, administration, and all my classmates made high school memorable for me. A huge thank you goes to my family for everything they have done for me.”
Lindsey Sime is the daughter of Mary Sime and the late Rick Sime. Active in volleyball, softball, FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Club Lindsey states that the “most important thing I learned within them: One person doesn’t make a whole team. In order to be successful, everyone needs to put in effort.”
Her best memories from high school also relate to her Extras curricular activities “my favorite memory”, recalls Sime, “is probably my senior volleyball season. I love every single one of my teammates and coaches and will always cherish the memories we made this past season.”
For Sime the most important class that she took was Chemistry because it helped to prepare her for college. “I know when I take Chemistry while furthering my education, I will feel much more confident,” comments Sime.
The advice Sime has for incoming freshmen is to not burn yourself out. “It is good to have goals, but high school should be fun, too!” state Sime. “It’s okay to take time away from school or extracurriculars to take time for yourself.”
As far as advice for incoming seniors, Sime gives the following “Apply to college in the late summer/early fall so you can get your acceptance as soon as possible and potentially make a decision sooner. Also, scholarships can be stressful! Gather information about your high school experience such as volunteer hours, extracurriculars, and awards you’ve won. Once you have all that compiled, the process goes much smoother.”
Sime will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall to study biology. Beyond that Sime notes “I’m not sure what career route I will take, but I’m hoping that surrounding myself with others will help me find something I would enjoy within that field.”
“I would like to thank my parents, sisters, teachers, friends, and community members,”state Sime. “Each of you has helped shape who I am and always believed in me.”
Congratulations and best wishes to Kendra, Evan, and Lindsey, and all the Seneca 2023 graduates.  We wish you all a bright and successful future!