Lawrence Central High School senior Isabella “Izzy” Simonsen is set up for success in more ways than one. As a four-year varsity starter for the girl’s volleyball team and standing 5 feet 9 inches, Simonsen is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Off the court, you will find Simonsen in her other “happy” place – the stage. Having played a Dolly Parton-inspired take on the Pharaoh in last spring’s performance of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” Simonsen is passionate about theater.
“I’ve known I was going to be an actress for as long as I can remember,” Simonsen said. “Performing in front of people has always been my passion, whether in the living room doing impromptu dance routines or on the big stage. For me, theater is a place where I can be my authentic self and perform. My favorite thing about acting is how it allows me to fully step into someone else’s shoes, and portray them in a way that brings the audience closer to not only the character, but the overall story.”
Simonsen will play Dolores Gordon, the lead in “Acting Can Be Murder,” in early November at Lawrence Central.
Simonsen holds leadership positions for the varsity volleyball team and the International Thespian Society. She is the speaking captain of her team and the webmaster for the Lawrence Central theater social media accounts.
On top of that, academics remain front and center. By graduation, Simonsen will have completed 12 A.P. courses. “I use my study halls to help me get ahead on all of my homework to make sure that I don’t fall behind with as much as I’m doing,” she said.
“I am also a member of the National Technical Honor Society [NTHS] through MCIT, the district career school, and the biomedical program/pathway offered there.”
Between the National Honor Society and NTHS, Simonsen has completed a staggering 220 hours of community service. “I do this with whatever little free time I have,” she said. “But honestly, this does act as a sort of unwind for me. Giving back to the community is something that I see as a part of my lifestyle, not as a chore on my agenda.”
Simonsen is also a part of Lawrence Central Dance Marathon, which raises money for Riley Hospital for Children. Last year she raised 25% of the overall school donation.
Her volleyball skills have garnered plenty of recognition, as she was named to the all Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference team, and made honorable mention on the all Marion County team two years in a row.
“She excels at everything she does,” said her dad, Steve Simonsen. He has coached volleyball at multiple levels for decades, and has watched his daughter blossom while expanding her hobbies and interests. “It’s more than just sports,” he said. “You can tell a lot about this kid by her character and dedication.”
As for what comes after graduation, she remains undecided, but is leaning toward a larger school to get what her dad calls a “more traditional college experience.”
Simonsen’s full schedule has taught her a valuable lesson for life – open communication is everything. “Let’s just say, it is not easy,” she said. “A lot of open dialogue is needed to participate in as many things as I do successfully, and my parents, coaches, directors, teachers, and club/honor society sponsors have helped me grow those skills.”
When Simonsen does have free time, she is with friends, critiquing horror movies, going to concerts or sitting around a bonfire. “Other than that, there is no resting,” she said with a wry smile. “I thrive off being busy, so I can’t imagine a life where I have nothing to do. As Bon Jovi said, ‘Gonna live while I’m alive, I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’”
