Brunswick High School valedictorian Simone Wiley lights up the world wherever she goes. She’s extraordinarily accomplished, but you wouldn’t know it upon first meeting her and seeing her connect with people, both young and old. She’s genuine and warm, a teen without angst, a girl without guile, a young woman without wiles.

Simone has been a true superstar in high school. President of the National Honor Society. President of the Mock Trial Team that won the state championship last fall. A talented alto saxophonist who plays in four award-winning musical groups at BHS: the Concert Band, the Honors Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Band and the Honors Jazz Band. She was one of only three Maine students chosen to participate in the All Eastern Concert Band.

A loyal churchgoer, Simone has been singing in the youth choir at the First Parish Congregational Church ever since she was 4 years old.

“I do the things that bring me joy,” she says, “not to build a resume.” And you know she means it.

One of the things she loves to do is work as a server at Thornton Oaks, a local retirement home. She loves the residents, and they love her.

While Simone could have gone to college anywhere in the country, she decided to go to Bowdoin College. She’s come to know and love the college over the years.

“Bowdoin attracts the type of people who really love learning,” she explains. “They’re not all competitive, not all out just for grades.”

As important, she wants to be around to support her younger siblings (Ian, age 16, and Naomi, age 10), because their mother Hilda died just a year ago.

“I want to be there for them when they have a concert or recital or game or whatever.”

She plans to major in a STEM subject at Bowdoin and eventually become a pediatric dentist. That said, she’s keeping her options open.

“I want to explore, keep an open mind, meet new people, get to know my professors.”

Simone plans to join the Bowdoin Concert Band and also get involved in the Bowdoin Outing Club. She’s always loved spending time in nature.

When I asked Simone what role her parents have played in her life, she said, ”They’ve always valued education, but they taught that the most important thing is how you treat people.” Clearly, she’s learned that lesson well.

I asked Simone what gives her the biggest joy in her life, and without skipping a beat, she said, “Spending time with my grandfather. He’s taught me so much about hiking, camping, mountain climbing, rowing and sailing. He’s taught me about life.”

On a personal note, I should add that I’ve known Simone’s grandfather Bobby Ives for 56 years. In fact, Bobby won Bowdoin’s first Common Good award in recognition of his founding the Carpenter’s Boat Shop. I also knew Simone’s mother Hilda. She was an equally inspirational figure to all her friends, family and co-workers. Clearly, Simone Wiley comes from great stock.

At a time when the nation and the world are rocked by dictators and despots, billionaires and braggarts, wars and famine, it’s so refreshing to connect with someone like Simone.

Simone Wiley will be delivering her valedictory address on Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m. at the Watson Arena at Bowdoin. Even if you don’t know someone graduating that day, you might want to attend the ceremony. Simone Wiley will brighten your day and give you hope for the future.

David Treadwell, a local writer, welcomes commentary and suggestions for future “Just a Little Old” columns at dtreadw575@aol.com.