Taking Center Stage with Simeon Roberts
Life of the party: Faith, family and friends guide Roberts
- Simeon Roberts

Simeon Roberts
If you’re walking down the band hallway and hear laughter and then walk into the room and see a dance party has broken out, Simeon Roberts is likely in the room.
The Fort Dodge Senior High senior loves to entertain, sing, play music and have a good time.
He does all this with a schedule packed full of activities.
Something that has always and will always be a big part of Roberts’ plan is his faith.
“Being a part of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is very rewarding,” Roberts said. “Words cannot fully describe how blessed I am to be a part of a group surrounded by like-minded believers, who share a similar mindset, values and everyday struggles.
“As I am growing in my faith, it is very important for me to remember that I am not alone in this journey, and the Lord has blessed me with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ whom I can always lean on for encouragement, accountability, and support (the provided breakfast at every meeting is definitely a bonus).”
Roberts is currently involved in the All-American Fort Dodge marching band, along with jazz and concert band.
He is on the Student Athletes Advisory Committee, and participates in A Capella, fall play, musical and speech.
Roberts also enjoys the Diversity Action Troupe, Dodger Senate, Lighthouse, National Honor Society, Silver Cord, Ambassadors and the hip hop team.
He has also competed athletically in soccer and cross country.
“Honestly, right now my all-time favorite activity is Dodger Senate, which is our school’s student council,” Roberts said. “I am blessed to say I am this year’s student body president alongside the literal dream team lineup. We have LJ Maehl, as the world’s best vice president (we’re known as the best presidential duo, we’ve been through thick and thin together.) We’re also joined by our very dedicated and exceptionally talented treasurer, ‘Manu Rodriguez.’ And finally, Grace Harvey, our top-tier secretary, who always keeps things running as smoothly as possible.
“These are my people, I love leading the Dodger Senate with you guys through our shared passion, laughs, leadership, and heart.”
The Diversity Action Troupe is a group involved in the performing arts to celebrate people of color.
“Diversity Action Troupe is run by me and the wonderful Emma Connelly — is a club at Fort Dodge Senior High that was created to utilize the power of performing arts to celebrate and amplify the voices of people of color,” Roberts said. “In our steadily expanding club, we host events such as poetry nights, put on plays, and even work with elementary school students to help them learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion, and more.
“I personally believe this club is long overdue. I love how this club works as a safe-place to all ethnicities/races of different backgrounds, and it provides everyone a platform and voice, especially those who are underrepresented in modern day media. Our club works to steer away from prejudice and showcases the beauty of our differences through the power of performing arts.”
Dodger Senate provides Roberts the ability to help students enjoy their high school careers.
“Being involved in the Dodger Senate is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” Roberts said. “Dodger Senate gives me the opportunity to help shape current and future FDSH students’ experience. Whether it be waking the school up with the daily announcements every morning, setting up prom and homecoming dress-up days, or even doing a lip-sync battle that I will never forget, I feel proud knowing the impact that Dodger Senate has had on the school environment. My overall goal of Dodger Senate is to make sure other students have a positive high school experience. Because I had such an amazing experience at high school, I just want to share the love.
“Dodger Senate allows me to take those steps to making a difference, where every student feels supported, included, and entertained. Special shoutout to Mrs. Winter and all of the Dodger Senate Family. I love you guys more than you can ever know. Let’s finish the year strong and keep up the hard work.”
Roberts credits the band for helping shape him into the person he has become.
“I honestly love band, you might hear me complain about it from time to time, but I couldn’t even tell you how much the band has shaped me as a person,” Roberts said. “To me, a band is not just about who can play the loudest, or who can play the best, instead it’s about all of the variety of instruments coming together to make an award-winning performance.
“The band creates memories and sparks life-long friendships on and off the field. For that very reason, the band will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Being on stage is also a passion for the future Hawkeye. Roberts has been involved in musicals and fall plays at FDSH.
“I became involved in theater after I joined the choir in middle school,” Roberts said. “My friends convinced me to do the eighth-grade musical ‘Little Luncheonette of Terror’ where I made my debut performance as one of the musical’s antagonists, ‘King.’
“Ever since then, I fell in love with the art of performing; as I have been involved in FDSH’s musicals and fall plays, the speech team, a Stage Door Production musical, entertainment nights, Diversity Action Troupe’s plays and poetry nights, and more.”
Being on stage allows a person the opportunity to showcase their talent and enjoy the process.
“Musicals are very time-consuming, but when you are on that stage actually performing, it feels as if time stops — I love being part of musicals; they are so rewarding, being surrounded by amazingly talented actors and actresses is an experience like no other,” Roberts said. “I’ve only been in three productions: FDSH’s “Anastasia (Ensemble),” Fort Dodge Middle School’s “Little Luncheonette of Terror (King)” and Stage Door Production’s “Shrek the Musical Jr. (Papa Bear).”
“Even though I’ve only been in a few, I could sit and talk about my amazing experience with them for days. To hear the audience’s applause and laughter throughout the show makes all the late night practices, hours of learning the choreography, and days trying to hit those high notes worth it.”
Musicals also allow Roberts the opportunity to showcase one of his favorite talents — dancing.
“If you know me, you know I absolutely love dancing (you could say I got my moves from my mom),” Roberts said. “Dancing is by far my favorite part of musicals of all time. My first time dancing on stage for a musical is an experience I will never forget.
“The lights, the choreography, the rush of adrenaline, everything about it makes me fall in love with performing.”
In his final year of high school, there are things to look forward to along with a number of things that he’ll miss.
Being a Dodger means a lot to Roberts.
“Being a Dodger is one of the most comforting experiences imaginable,” Roberts said. “To know you always have a community of people surrounding you with unconditional love and support is something that is so rare to find nowadays.
“As life comes with ups and downs, the powerful sense of belonging is a source of motivation that will guide you through any and every obstacle.”
Roberts has had a number of influences along his way that have helped guide him.
“My biggest influences have been my parents, Shawn and Ursuala Roberts; my brother, Shawn Roberts II; my teachers, my coaches, the Dodger senators, cross country team, my best friends, Mina DeJong, Owen Hamlow, Leif Hamilton, Joscelyn Kahler, Mateo Ron, Carlos Cervantes,” Roberts said. “Honestly anyone that I’ve ever interacted with, and most importantly Jesus Christ.”
He is thankful for everyone who has “shaped me into the person I am today.”
“Thank you for holding me accountable, laughing at my jokes, and occasionally paying for my food,” he said. “Love every single one of you.”
After high school, Roberts plans to go to the University of Iowa to double major in psychology and law.
Vacation destination: Italy
People I would like to have dinner with: SZA, Doechii, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, and Issa Rae
It would surprise people that: I’d rather indulge in a Flavorful, Fresh SALAD, then a Fat, Juicy, and Unhealthy Cheeseburger. (Wink Wink)
Performer that inspires me: Micheal B. Jordan (Thee Actor)
My everyday role model: Jesus Christ and My Family (Love you guys!)
I can’t go a day without: My Cocoa Butter Vaseline
Where do I see myself in 10 years? In 10 years, hopefully I will be married, with 2 twins (a girl and a boy), a pug (maybe two), unlimited pancheros, 5 oscars, and living my best life! (maybe even president of the USA..?)
What are you listening to right now? “Can I Call You Rose” – Thee Sacred Souls
Dream piece or show: Dear Evan Hansen
A show you binge watch: Abbott Elementary
Favorites…
Musical: Dear Evan Hansen
Performance: FDSH”s “25th annual putnam county spelling bee” 24-25 Speech Season
Music genre: R&B and Jazz
Song: Sza’s whole discography
Instrument: Alto Saxophone
Class: Psychology
Movie: “Instant Family” and “Wonder”
Book: Monday’s not coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Phone App.: TikTok ( I’m praying it doesn’t get banned)




