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Indra Dickens Parents/guardians: Sarah Dickens Growing up in Yellow Springs has been a very different and new experience from growing up going to other schools. I used to attend middle school in Denver, Colo., and all I remember is filling out lots of textbook worksheets, passing out paper after paper, learning the way that was required to be taught at the time. It was very boring and the things we would be doing the next day were always predictable. Moving from Colorado to attending high school here at YSHS has been very new and exciting. The next day always feels like there are new and differ- ent possibilities. I’ve always enjoyed that YSHS is known for its hands-on and visual learning, rather than just learning from a textbook. This last year at the high school, COVID-19 has definitely changed our ways of learning. Now we all must complete all projects online and learn to work without working directly with our classmates and teachers. I was already finishing the last of my high school classes online because this past year I’ve found it easier for myself to work from home, but I was still coming to the school every week to paint the doors of the high school and have a chance to work with some of my classmates. Painting the doors of the school was a very fun experience. I find painting to be pretty therapeutic so I enjoyed having the chance to complete my senior project while still doing something I enjoy and giving the school a little more uplifting appeal. At any other school, I feel like I would just have had to complete my senior project doing something that was suggested and I didn’t really enjoy or grow from. After graduation, I had planned to find a career in art, maybe go to an art college, pick up new techniques and contribute to an aesthetically uplifting appeal in other places around the world. I’m glad I’ve gotten the opportunity to start here at YSHS. I’m not sure how long COVID-19 will last, but I hope every- one does their part in continuing their classes online and limiting contact with others so one day we can all continue with our after-graduation plans, go to college, find our careers and make a positive impact on the world. Rileyanne Duncan Parents/guardians: Leigh Duncan, Michael Duncan Life in Yellow Springs may be small- town, but it’s never boring. I’ve lived in this wonderful town since the day I was born and I couldn’t imagine having a better childhood. I’m proud of the values that Yellow Springs has instilled in me from a young age. The acceptance, the open-mindedness, the friendliness and the sense of community are things that Yellow Springs has taught me to hold near and dear to my heart. My parents are nature-lovers, and I grew up know- ing that walking barefoot is one of the best ways to feel closer to the earth. I’m forever grateful that so many other people in this town feel the same way, and I have yet to see a sign in a store window that says “no shoes, no service.” Yellow Springs Community Children’s Center had a huge impact on who I am today. I have a million memories attached to that little building and I made so many friends that I still have today. The teachers hold a huge place in my heart as well, although I saw them much more as parental figures. They took care of me every single day, they held me when I cried, and they cheered me on when I found a four-leaf clover or a colorful rock. Yellow Springs Schools are run by some of the most kind-hearted, loving people I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve had the privilege of being in the YS school system my whole life, and one thing I appreciate the most is the small class size. It has given me the wonderful and unique opportunity to get to know my teachers on a personal level and for them to do the same with us. My Mills Lawn teachers all had a huge part in shaping me as a person, and at that age, I was a handful, so I applaud them for all the hard work that took. In seventh grade, I had Mr. Hatert as my math and science teacher, so I had the opportunity of getting to know him as a teacher before he became principal of the high school, and I don’t think there was anyone better fit for the job. When I got to the high school, I met some teach- ers that had the biggest impact on me yet. The “L’s” on the third floor, Lydy, Lutz and Lowry, inspired me everyday in their own way, and made each class engaging and exciting. My junior year, we got a new art teacher, and while Mrs. Simon taught me almost everything I know about art and inspired me every class, our new teacher, Mrs. Sears, taught me so many new things. Not only did she push me to improve my art, but since she is young compared to my other teachers, I felt more comfortable talking to her and asking for advice. I’m very grateful for her and all of my teachers, and I’m excited to visit them all after I graduate. Next year I will be attending Wright State University, studying marketing and graphic design, and in the next 10 years I hope to be working for a graphic design company, designing things like logos and other visual aspects for new businesses! From my first day at Mills Lawn, to McKinney Middle School, to right now as a senior in high school, I have made so many friends, learned so many valuable things and made memories to last me a lifetime. I know, no matter where I go in life, I will always be so proud to call Yellow Springs my home. Lynzee Epperson Parents/guardians: Scott Epperson, Mark Geiger This year has been very strange and challenging for everyone, but it’s hit really hard for the seniors graduating. I know I’m not the only one when I say that I’m highly disappointed that the entire graduating Class of 2020 won’t get to experience the things we’ve worked so hard for. We’ll never get these times back, we won’t be able to tell you how our senior prom was or how hard our parents cried at our graduation cer- emonies. Though this year has greatly affected so many people, my plans for after graduation are still in motion. I’ve decided to take a gap year and explore as much of the world as I can that we haven’t destroyed already, and once I’ve lived a little, I’d like to go to college majoring in interior design and minoring in business. In 10 years, I hope to find myself working happily and creatively in a space where I’m not told what to do or how to behave. When I was younger, people would tell me that I HAVE to find a job that pays good money, regardless of if it made me happy. I think that’s a sad and careless way to live, so I’d rather be doing something that fills me with passion. Yellow Springs wasn’t always my home, but as soon as I got here, I was welcomed and accepted for who I am. I think that’s something that I really value about this town. Most of us are so accept- ing and caring for those around us. I’ve made so many good memories with amazing people here, I wouldn’t change that for anything. This town provided me with supportive people and environ- ments, which allowed me to grow and flourish into the person that I am today. I’ll always have a soft spot for this town and its inhabitants. Madelyn Fischer No response submitted. Lydia Fleetham Parents/guardians: Dana Fleetham, Christopher Erb I am not from Yellow Springs, I live in Dayton. When I was in eighth grade, getting ready to start high school, my parents wanted me to go to the same school my sister was attending, Yellow Springs High school. They thought that the community and education system was better than DPS, so they enrolled me here and I have been pretty involved with the community since. I’ve made friends, participated in sports and clubs with the school and formed a sort of bond with Yellow Springs. Coming here, everything was so differ- ent than in Dayton, but it was a difference I could allow in my life. When I graduate from YS schools, I will be moving onto the next chapter in my life. I’ll be moving to NYC to attend Pace University’s film program in the fall of 2020. But even as I will not be in YS much anymore, because it is something I have to let go and move on from, the bond I formed with this village and the people will remain with me. I thank YS Schools and the village for giving me the knowl- edge and ability I have gained. Thank you for giving me memories. 4 Yellow Springs High School  CLASS OF 2020 A Special Section of the Yellow Springs News | May 28, 2020 Current Cuisine Dunphy Real Estate, Jo, Teresa & Sheila Ehman’s Garage O u r S p o n s o r s  Kiera Fogarty Parents/guardians: Suzanne Fogarty, Gerry Fogarty When I started my senior year, I obvi- ously wasn’t expecting it to end in March. While I’m grateful for the time to rest, the circumstances are not great. Spending so much time at home has brought me closer with my family, and made me get creative with how I socialize with my friends. My plan after graduation is to work and save money for school following my gap year. I was worried the change of plans might affect my ability to work in the coming year, but I’m very lucky to have a job that allows me to continue working in different capacities during this time. Growing up in such a small town has both its benefits and drawbacks, but ulti- mately I’m grateful to have been raised in Yellow Springs. The most valuable things I gained from my time at YSHS were the connections I made with my teachers and peers. If it weren’t for my daily conversation with Mr. Comstock, and Ms. Holly never failing to make me laugh, school would’ve been a lot harder. Being able to see my friends every day was something I took for granted before. In 10 years I hope to be working in the fields of psychology or law, and living on the West Coast. Peyton Gray No response submitted. Eric Hansen Parents/guardians: Shawn and Constance Hansen I didn’t grow up in Yellow Springs, unlike most of my fellow classmates, which I personally think gives me a bit