BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 A full circle moment for a standout senior.<\/p>\n
Denim Simmons was awarded BHS\u2019 prestigious Kevin Wiegel Memorial Scholarship by Bakersfield Police Department Chief Brent Stratton.<\/p>\n
To figure out the kind of young man he\u2019s become, just ask those who have watched him grow up.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn seeing Denim and recognizing his name, it made me just think of the last 10 years or so of knowing him and watching him grow into the young man that he\u2019s become and our entire department is very proud of him,\u201d Stratton said.<\/p>\n
Los Tigres del Norte set to perform at Bakersfield\u2019s Dignity Health Arena <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cDenim is an electric kid. He comes in a room and lights it right up. He\u2019s smart. He\u2019s intelligent. He\u2019s very kind, thoughtful. He has a heart of service and he\u2019s always had that,\u201d BPD Lieutenant David Brooks said.<\/p>\n The honor represents the end of a long road filled with adversity and triumph.<\/p>\n \u201cThroughout high school, I\u2019ve been through a lot. With my mom having kidney failure and having to help her with that. Having to be a football team captain to my football team, and keeping a high GPA and maintaining it,\u201d Simmons said.<\/p>\n His enthusiasm for law enforcement earned him the Police Activities League kid of the year in 2019.<\/p>\n That award reinforced his love for keeping his community safe.<\/p>\n \u201cHe really cares about his community. He really cares for people, and to see him in his community write tickets and patrol the area, and even ask officers if they need his assistance while they are out on calls. It\u2019s amazing to see how much he cares and how much he loves,\u201d Brooks said.<\/p>\n \u201cSince a little youngin\u2019 I always wanted to be a police officer. It means a lot to me to receive this scholarship. I\u2019m very happy and I\u2019m very proud of myself, I\u2019ve worked hard,\u201d Simmons said.<\/p>\n