Iliana Z. Gamez/The Daily Dispatch

Destined to be an important member and asset to the community of Douglas, Earl Simmons was born in Phoenix, Arizon.

In 1967 his mother and father decided to move to Douglas allowing him a world of possibilities still unknown to him. Both Summons' parents were involved in education: his father taught in the Douglas Public Schools for over 20 years and his mother worked for Cochise College as the Athletics Department Secretary for 19 years. Therefore, his entire youth revolved around education. Simmons attended Stevenson Elementary School, Huber Middle School, and graduated from Douglas High School in 1983. It was during his high school senior year that Simmons received an invitation that would change his life and view of the world for years to come.

During his senior year, Simmons was called by his senior counselor Jim Hanson who asked him to apply for a scholarship to study in Europe throughout the summer. Hanson believed in the great talent and potential that Simmons possessed in the field of music and had a vision for him.

Consequently, the summer after graduation, Simmons took Hanson's advice and made his way to Yugoslavia, which at that time remained a communist country.

Simmons said, "The year of 1983, after my graduation and during my summer stay in Yugoslavia was the first year outside students were allowed to enter the country. This was a life changing experience, I got to see a whole different culture, language, and gain a new perspective of the world."

Simmons considers significant teachers like DHS Band Director Mr. Brenden and his trip to Yugoslavia influential in his pursuit to further his education and his desire to travel and study abroad in Europe. Having been actively involved in music at Douglas High School and a four year member of the American Field Service (AFS) allowed Simmons to get music scholarships and enroll at Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, AZ.

There he studied music and completed his Bachelors Degree in 1987 and went on to complete his Masters in 1989, both in music. It was after he completed his Masters that Simmons left to Europe and through a Rotary International Scholarship was able to study at the Conservatory of Music in Hamburg, Germany for one year.

In addition, Simmons had a Fulbride Fellowship that allowed him to study in Padua, Italy for one year.

Looking back on his travel and continuous education, Simmons considers his time in Yugoslavia very important because now he sees there was a plan behind it. That plan allowed him to travel, meet the people abroad in Europe, and experience their culture and their way of life which he didn't consider a possibility.

"I saw history happening in front of me due to past events. I was living in Germany while the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and it was great to see the beginning of a reunited Germany, it's something I'll never forget," said Simmons.

Three years later in 1992, Simmons returned to the United States as a newly wed after spending his first year of marriage in Italy. Upon his return, Simmons began teaching in Oregon where he taught general music and chorus in a private K-12 school for four years.

Aside from his career in education, family is very important to Simmons and he is proud to be back in Douglas with his wife Lori and two daughters Landry and Elizabeth. He feels there's been a great connection and link to Douglas coming back after 23 years and he now hopes to share the community he grew up in with his daughters and wife. Simmons said, "Lori is quiet but very friendly and she's a gifted musician and composer. She is completely devoted to family and has been very supportive and patient throughout my many years of studying."

Simmons enjoys fatherhood, it's an amazing gift and he enjoys both his daughters and is content they will grow up in the peaceful community of Douglas.

"Landry is exuberant and always ready for adventure; she always wants people around and is very open to change. Elizabeth never stops singing, she is fiery, gregarious, and very independent. They both love music," said Simmons.

Simmons is proud to be in Douglas because there is sense of belonging and he feels the youth here is very polite and positive.

"One of the biggest factors in coming to Douglas is that it is a great community to raise your kids in and not be horrified of them walking down the street. I think there are great things that have happened here and continue to happen, therefore Douglas has the potential to be a great town with great schools," said Simmons.

Now part of the Bulldog clan, he says the great thing about working with Mrs. Lopez is that she's a great boss who gives him projects to develop on his own and yet challenges him to grow. "Mr. Bates, Mrs. Lopez and I are a real team. We handle serious situations but we have fun doing it and it's never a boring day while working for DHS."

Simmons loves to learn and feels that at this time he is learning the most through working with Mrs. Lopez and taking on the challenging job as DHS Vice Principle. He is very passionate about what he does, is very serious about his duties, but also loves to laugh and make people laugh. As a husband he feels he's learned a lot from his wife and taken in some of her best traits. He's changed a lot and is very open and transparent.

"Our life revolves around family and spending time with each other and we hope to enjoy Douglas and what it has to offer," said Simmons.