Our Team

Dr. Sandra Simmons
Dr. Simmons received her B.A. in French at the University of Texas at Austin. She would go on to earn her Master's in French at the University of North Texas and her Ph.D. in French Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Having spent considerable time abroad in France, Dr. Simmons eventually traced her Texas roots back and currently teaches at Highland Park High School and works with the NTAATF. She sponsors Le Concours du Texas.
Dr. Simmons received her B.A. in French at the University of Texas at Austin. She would go on to earn her Master's in French at the University of North Texas and her Ph.D. in French Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Having spent considerable time abroad in France, Dr. Simmons eventually traced her Texas roots back and currently teaches at Highland Park High School and works with the NTAATF. She sponsors Le Concours du Texas.

Dr. Celeste Renza-Guren
With a Ph.D. in French from the University of Central Florida and prior teaching experience, Dr. Renza-Guren is an invaluable part of Le Concours du Texas team. She supervises the contest administration each year, ensuring that tests are written fairly and scored accurately. She currently works as an independent consultant.
With a Ph.D. in French from the University of Central Florida and prior teaching experience, Dr. Renza-Guren is an invaluable part of Le Concours du Texas team. She supervises the contest administration each year, ensuring that tests are written fairly and scored accurately. She currently works as an independent consultant.

Ella Carroll
Ella is a senior at Highland Park High School taking her 6th year of French. She is Co-Director of Le Concours du Texas and helps get all of the materials for the contest ready. She approves purchases and plans the details of the event.
Ella is a senior at Highland Park High School taking her 6th year of French. She is Co-Director of Le Concours du Texas and helps get all of the materials for the contest ready. She approves purchases and plans the details of the event.

Nikita Nair
Nikita is a senior at Highland Park High School. She is currently taking her 6th year of french in the French 5 Culture and Linguistics class. She is Co-director of Le Concours du Texas and she helps make sure the test runs smoothly by reviewing test questions and buying materials for the contest.
Nikita is a senior at Highland Park High School. She is currently taking her 6th year of french in the French 5 Culture and Linguistics class. She is Co-director of Le Concours du Texas and she helps make sure the test runs smoothly by reviewing test questions and buying materials for the contest.