Class of 2019

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all your support and pres- sure throughout the years. I really do appreciate it. Biron Schoonover No response submitted. Sokhna Mously Sene Parents/guardians: Aurelia Blake My name is Sokhna Sene and I am an exchange student. I have been in Yellow Springs since August 2018. On my way to the USA, I just expected a really big city with a lot of people, distractions and tall buildings, just like in New York City. Once I arrived, I was very disappointed at first, but through the year, I discov - ered a whole other universe. The universe of Yellow Springs shows me the impor- tance of life, which is love. Receiving love from this com - munity was one the best gifts ever. I received love from my host family, Miss Blake, who was a very amazing and pro- tective mother for me and has welcomed me into her house with love. I have enjoyed the school a lot. Teachers, mentors and friends have made this expe- rience special, with a lot of knowledge and joy. Thanks to the whole community of Yel - lows Springs, especially the Central Chapel AME Church, for making me their daughter. Andrew Siler Parents/guardians: Anne Siler, Stuart Rayfield I didn’t grow up in Yellow Springs, I transferred in to the high school my freshman year. I didn’t really find much that was meaningful or valuable, I just wanted to make it through each day. There’s nothing I would really change about YSHS — maybe communication to the Career Center students. My future plans are to get a job in the IT field or anything related to graphic design. Calum Siler Parents/guardians: Erica Wyant, Caleab Wyant I was extremely anxious about transfering to a new school after spending my first two-and-a-half school years getting comfortable and becom - ing intertwined in our little community. I was very close with all of my classmates and I didn’t think I would ever have that type of relationship with an entirely new set of energetic children. Thankfully, I was met with one of the most passionate and accepting communities I could imagine. From the teachers to the other students, positiv- ity was always present. While there were times that I won- dered how it would feel to be part of a bigger school, every day I was proud to be a part of Yellow Springs’ schools. After graduating, I will be studying nursing at Ohio Uni- versity and then hopefully get- ting myself a steady nursing job. I’d like to thank all of my teachers for everything I’ve learned, as well as my family and friends. Audree Speaks Parents/guardians: Aimee Cooper I did not grow up in Yellow Springs — I live in Spring- field, and switched to the high school here during my sopho - more year. My years at Yellow Springs High School have had their ups and downs, but that is like every high school. The most valuable thing I feel I have gotten out of my high school experience, besides the learning and ability to further my education, is the people I’ve met along the way. Some of the friends I made will stick with me through college and, even if we do not stick together through that, we’re so close we can just pick up wherever we left off. I’d like to thank the staff members and the teachers that have helped me through this journey. My plans for the upcoming years involve me continuing my education at the University of Cincinnati, for psychology. I’m going to get my bachelor’s and then move on to my mas- ter’s. I then hope to get my Ph.D. in psychology and work in a practice as a therapist. Alexa Spitz I would like to thank my friends, family, teachers and classmates for my experience at Yellow Springs Schools. They will be missed. This fall, I am attending Par - sons School of Design in New York City. Eden Spriggs Parents/guardians: Beverly Spriggs In the fall I will be attending the University of Cincinnati pursuing my Master of Science degree in nursing. I’d like to thank all of my wonderful teachers, friends and family for supporting me along the way. Janine Stover Parents/guardians: Brenda Sandman-Stover, Mike Stover My Yellow Springs story started in eighth grade when I transferred from the Xenia schools. I came to the district Yellow Springs High School  CLASS OF 2 0 1 9  A Special Section of the YEllow Springs News  |  May 23, 2019    7 Yellow Springs Board of Education Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce Yellow Springs Chiropractic O u r S p o n s o r s  not knowing anyone. I will always remember the fear I felt on my first day. From the moment I got to school, I didn’t talk to anyone. Before I knew it, I had to go to lunch alone. As I left my last class a girl with a long blonde braid and a horse shirt told me I was welcome to sit with her and her friends. This girl was Hannah Lawson and she immediately became my best friend. From that day forward I fell in love with the open- ness throughout the school and throughout friend groups. There is no set place for anyone in Yellow Springs schools — you do a little bit of everything you find interesting. Being at the Career Center, I miss the ability to pursue different hobbies. However, I am more confident and excited than ever to continue my edu - cation and start my career. I owe a lot to the schools that have shaped me into the person I am today. Going to Yellow Springs schools is a decision I will forever be glad I made. Stacia Strodes No response submitted. Kenna Thomas Parents/guardians: Erica Thomas, Justin Cooper-Thomas I first attended Yellow Springs Schools back in second grade. I remember I was gawked at in my favorite pink tutu that I got from a thrift store. If only I knew my outfits