2017 Yellow Springs High School Graduation Supplement

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

DYLAN BAILEY

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YSHS CLASS OF

CHRISTINA BANKS MIRANDA BATEMAN JESSE BEARD ELENA BINGENHEIMER ALLISON BOTHWELL FELIX BREZA OLIVIA BRINTLINGERCONN LEVI BROWN CHRISTINA BURKS TRISTAN CAMPBELL LORIEN CHAVEZ OLIVIA CHICK MAYA CREIGHTON DYLAN DIETRICH BRIANNA FISCHER JASMINE FODAL TRISTAN GIARDULLO AMELIA LEEANNE GRAY SAM GREEN ELESHA HARNEY DUARD HEADLEY DANNY HORTON EVENING HUDSON JORDYN JOHNSON MADISON JORDAN MYANA JOSEPH AUGUST KNEMEYER KASEY LINKHART ALEXANDER LUGO JOSHUA LUSTRE KENNY MCKINLEY

ROGER MEJIA RIVAS WINDOM MESURE MORGAN MINNICH CHUCK MORAN HANNAH MORRISON ALEX OLIVER HAYDEN ORME SARAH PEARSON JOSEPH PLUMER ERICA RANARD LANDON RHOADS JULIAN ROBERTS CHANCELER ROUCH KYRA SIEMER ZIVEN SILER ALIZA SKINNER CALLIE SMITH ELIZABETH SMITH ELLIOT SMITHBERGER JOELLA STEFFENSON AARON STIREMAN AAKEEM TRUSS KIKE VILLA CORONADO HOLLY WEIR MAXWELL WEIS ANNABEL WELSH JORDAN WHITE GRACE WILKE SHEKINAH WILLIAMS VICTORIA WILLIS DANIELLE WORSHAM NICKLAS WRIGHT

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY TA K E S P L A C E O N T H U R S D AY, M A Y 2 5 , 7 P. M . , I N T H E H I G H S C H O O L G Y M

The responses and photos in this publication were compiled with the generous assistance of YSHS’s Dave Smith and GCCC’s Pamela Pickle.

The Yellow Springs News is pleased to honor the Yellow Springs High School CLASS OF 2017 with this special section.

It is made possible by the sponsorship of the businesses and organizations listed throughout.

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Yellow Springs High School

C L ASS OF 2017

A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

ELENA BINGENHEIMER No response submitted.

DYLAN BAILEY* No response submitted.

ALLISON BOTHWELL PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Seth Bothwell

CHRISTINA BANKS No response submitted.

MIRANDA BATEMAN No response submitted.

JESSE BEARD No response submitted.

Erica and

I have lived in Yellow Springs my whole life and the experiences I have had are something I will forever be grateful for. I am the fifth generation in my family to live in Yellow Springs.

Countless times I have been downtown and people have asked me “are you a Bothwell?” or “are you related to soand-so?” I always reply with a proud “Yes!” because being a Bothwell is something I am extremely proud of. I have grown up surrounded by so many strong men and women in my life that I have no doubt I am ready for my next chapter.

The kindness you encounter everyday in Yellow Springs is unlike anything else. Just walking through downtown you are bound to run into someone you know or someone who will flash a friendly smile and say hello to you. The feeling that the village and its members are like your second family is something I will truly miss next year. The whole community has taught me many valuable lessons, from standing up for what is I believe is right to always being your true self and never being ashamed of who I am and where I come from.

At Yellow Springs High School I have been given so many great opportunities that have shaped me to become who I am today. I have been lucky enough to work with an array of talented students and teachers, be in student-led groups like SPIDEE (Students Promoting Inclusion Diversity and Equity through Education), and become a member of the National Thespian Society. All of these activities are just a fraction of the things I will miss at Yellow Springs High School.

There are so many people I would like to thank for making my time in Yellow Springs School District the best years of my life so far. First, I would like to thank my teachers for never O U R

AC Service

giving up on me and working with me through tough times. A special shoutout to the magnificent Dee Ann Holly for being someone who I could come to any time if I ever needed a good laugh.

Second, I would like to thank my friends for always sticking by my side.

Without them I would definitely not be where I am today. Finally, I would like to thank my incredible family. Without their overwhelming love and support, I could not have accomplished anything I did at YSHS. From driving me to rehearsals to supporting me at orchestra concerts, they have truly done it all and I will forever be grateful for them.

They always push me to do my best and strive for what I want. An extra big thank you to my parents who are hands down my biggest inspiration in life. Seeing them overcome challenges and work hard for what they want pushes me to become a better person every day.

I will definitely miss all of my classmates after graduation. Most of the students in my grade have been my peers since kindergarten. It will be odd not seeing them every day but I am so excited for them all to succeed and adventure further into the world. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Alabama where I will be majoring in anthropology and minoring in theater.

Though I will be leaving the village this fall, the community members will always hold a special place in my heart and Yellow Springs will always be my home. I don’t know what my future holds, or where I will be 10 years from now, but I do know that I am excited to see where life will take me.

FELIX BREZA No response submitted.

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OLIVIA BRINTLINGERCONN Angela Brintlinger and Steven Conn

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Senior year has made me realize just how lucky I was to grow up in Yellow Springs. Since 6th grade, I thought Yellow Springs was too small and too boring. But now as I am preparing to leave for college and start a new chapter of my life, I’ve changed my mind.

While Yellow Springs is small, it certainly is not boring. One of the things I value most about it is the opportunities it presents its young people. For me, this started at the Antioch School where I was able to develop a passion for learning in an alternative environment.

Yellow Springs has an abundance of talented musicians, many of whom have the patience to teach their skills to people like me who often did not practice. Being able to learn from Shirley Mullins and Barbara Leeds was truly a gift. Their vast knowledge of music enabled me to expand my horizons and develop an understanding of hard work and its pay-offs.

But perhaps my favorite part of Yellow Springs is the athletic opportunities, from rec soccer to varsity bowling. All people, no matter their athletic abilities, are encouraged to participate.

I know if I had gone to any other school in the area, my granny-shot seventhgrade basketball season would never have happened, and I certainly would not be the runner I am today.

Since seventh grade, I have had the same track coaches who have supported me and worked with me on the track and off, in season and out. I admire the Yellow Springs High School coaches for their dedication to their athletes, knowledge of the sport, and immense patience. Working with Peter, Isabelle, Val and Mr. Gudgel has spoiled me as an athlete. I know that in college my coaches will not be so flexible in allowing me to start practice early, and they definitely will not drop my phone off at home after I leave it at practice. I can honestly say that because of the amazing coaching staff, track has transformed my life and is my favorite part

S P O N S O R S

Antioch School Antioch University Midwest

May 25, 2017

Bing Design

Yellow Springs High School

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of Yellow Springs Schools.

One of the things I have learned growing up here is the importance of understanding other opinions. Yellow Springs is a town that prides itself on being open and accepting, politically correct and liberal. But most people in Yellow Springs share the same opinions, and I have noticed that they are often quick to judge those who do not.

While I appreciate the lively passion I have encountered, it has taught me that I cannot be quick to judge someone because their opinions differ from mine without trying to understand their reasoning. I am grateful to have learned this and I believe it will help me as I leave Yellow Springs.

Even though I have often found myself wanting to escape small village life, I cannot imagine growing up anywhere else. Yellow Springs has prepared me to leave it and my comfort zone in a way no other place could. It has allowed me to grow up at my own pace and offered me the best it has to give. I think that the liberal attitude of Yellow Springs is a big factor in my decision to attend Bryn Mawr College in the fall. I do not think that I would have had the courage to attend a women’s college, let alone compete in college track, if I had not been surrounded and encouraged to pursue my dreams by the strong and talented women of Yellow Springs and the men who support them, specifically my elementary school teachers Jeanie, Kit and Chris; Ms. Reynolds and Ms. Holly who helped me believe in my mathematical abilities; Jennifer Rosengarten; and finally, my mother, father and brother.

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the help that I needed in my classes. I felt like they knew us more and cared about us more than the teachers in a bigger school like where I came from.

I found that the teachers at Yellow Springs pushed us to be the best we can be. I remember sitting in study hall and Mr. Comstock always asking me ways I can improve my grades. He was there always pushing me to be the best I could be in school. Most of my teachers were like Mr. Comstock, just there pushing us to be the best we can become.

I always like looking back over the past couple of years and have all those memories of high school. I will still be looking back and remember all those things I did. It will stick with me for the rest of my life. Some of the memories I think about till this day make me laugh.

I wouldn’t change anything about my experience from Yellow Springs it has been one heck of a ride over the years.

I plan to start school in the summer at Clark State Community College to get my registered nursing certification.

After I get my R.N., I plan to transfer to Wright State to get my Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Than after I get my B.S.N, I plan to get my Master of Science degree in nursing. I haven’t decided yet where I will be going to get M.S.N., but I know that it is something I want to do. I will be looking into which school will be the best choice when it comes closer to graduating from Wright State.

In 10 years, I plan to have all my schooling done and out of the way and start to relax and settle down and start having a family of my own. This is one milestone in my life over and completed and it has flown by. But I am excited for what is to come next. I’m ready for what life has to throw my way.

CHRISTINA BURKS No response submitted.

LEVI BROWN* PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Reeder

Catherine

I came to Yellow Springs schools in the 7th grade. I originally came from Clark Shawnee. The reason I decided to come to Yellow Springs schools is because it was a smaller school and it would benefit me more. That’s what I liked the most about Yellow Springs is the small classes so I could have a oneon-one with the teachers so I could get

TRISTAN CAMPBELL* No response submitted.

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Bentino’s Pizza

LORIEN CHAVEZ Yellow Springs has been a wonderful place to grow up. I am and will always remain thankful for everyone who has shown their support, love, and investment in my future and the person i hope to eventually become. This town has succeeded in teaching me kindness and acceptance, virtues I see webbed in almost every institution established in our community. I hope to carry these important lessons with me through college at Ohio University where I will be attending this fall to study social justice through neuroscience and developmental psychology.

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children.

Ten years from now, I hope to be teaching in a community similar to Yellow Springs. I am very excited to expand my horizons, but I am also going to miss this town.

MAYA CREIGHTON Laura Carlson, Sean Creighton

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

OLIVIA CHICK PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Greg Chick

Jody Chick;

I have been attending Yellow Springs schools since kindergarten, and I have been fortunate enough to grow up in the tight knit community of Yellow Springs. I can confidently say I have had outstanding teachers from Mills Lawn through the high school, and I am grateful to be graduating from such a unique school system. At the end of the day, it was not about the assignments or content that was taught, it was about the empathy and kindness from the teachers that made them such memorable people. As I got older, they became more than just educators and role models. I know teachers we have at Yellow Springs are far more caring and kind than your average school district. They have inspired me day in and day out.

I plan to attend Michigan State University, where I will be swimming and studying elementary education.

I’ve always known that I love working with children. Getting the chance to learn how to help kids form the educational foundation that they hold on to for the rest of their lives makes me excited. Personally I feel that the first few years of a person’s life are pivotal to their long term successes. It is very rewarding to help someone develop.

Since my elementary school teachers made such an impact on me, I hope to do the same for another generation of

At the beginning of my senior year, I kept thinking about how excited I was to get out of Yellow Springs. As I approach the last few weeks of high school, I’ve realized how much I’m going to miss this place, and these people. I feel thankful to have grown up in Yellow Springs.

A few days ago, I was strolling through town with my father, doing the usual: buying groceries at Tom’s Market while sipping our coffees from the Emporium. It was one of those days when you see everyone you possibly know. Almost everyone I ran into who knew me asked about my upcoming college plans. I told them that I will be attending the University of Cincinnati in the fall of 2017, and I will be going into the exploratory studies program, which is a fancier way of saying “undecided.” A former teacher and cross country coach, Jeff Collins, told me that “there is great wisdom in taking some time before declaring a major as it allows a person to get a great sense of what they enjoy doing and who they are as a person.” YSKP director John Fleming suggested that I go to a Greek restaurant in Cincinnati, and a family friend said she would set me up with her daughter who is at UC now. These personal connections are what I find most valuable about growing up in Yellow Springs. It’s nice to have people who support you and let you know that you’re doing just fine.

My senior project (a tradition at YSHS is that students have to plan and conduct a project that benefits the community) is to create a video to show at the class of 2017’s graduation ceremony. I’ve been spending a lot of time

S P O N S O R S

Jerome Borchers, Lamm’s Insurance

Children’s Center After School Program

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Yellow Springs High School

scavenging through nostalgic pictures and videos of my class from throughout high school, middle school and even elementary school. The cool thing about growing up in Yellow Springs is that most of us have been together for a very large portion of our lives, and I think that the relationships I have created here will remain most special to me.

I am filled with nervousness and excitement for my future. Cincinnati is a totally different playground, and it’s going to take some getting used to not waving to everyone you pass on the streets. I want to thank my wonderful parents (stepparents included) for their support, my boyfriend Fielding for being my dude, my four crazy brothers and sisters for teaching me patience, my longtime friends for some of my favorite memories, my teachers for letting my passions unfold, and anyone else who helped along the way.

You guys will make this transition less scary.

DYLAN DIETRICH PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

and Tom Dietrich

Kim Frazier

I would like to first off thank my parents for dedicating their lives to preparing me for the next chapter of my life. From feeding me, clothing me, housing me, paying for everything (including college), driving me all around the county every freaking day for most of my life; you do everything for me, and you could never get enough credit for it. I don’t know what I would do without you. Seriously.

I would also like thank all the teachers that I’ve had throughout the years.

Special shout-out to Mrs. Mabra in 1st and 2nd grade, one of my favorite teachers ever. I’ll never forget when she declared her classroom a “no-fly zone” in wake of my dedication to paper aviation. Also, Ms. Burkland, my Spanish teacher for my first three years of high school. She taught me a lot about Spanish, and South American culture, but she taught me more about life. I would always look forward to Spanish class expecting to hear a

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A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

great story about her time in Colombia, or just to talk with her about what happened in college basketball the night before. Shouts to Ms. Reynolds for being probably the most dedicated person I have ever met. Every day she would tell me to stop talking, and every paper I turned in she would write “USE A PENCIL” at the top. At some point, she must have recognized it was a lost cause. Nevertheless, she persisted. Salute.

I would also like to thank my basketball and tennis coaches, Bob Crawford and the dynamic coaching duo of Donna Silvert and Stacey Knemeyer, for sharing their vast knowledge with me and using that knowledge to turn me into a better player. I hope to continue my dominance at the intramural level next year at the University of Cincinnati.

Thanks to my friends for making school more fun, and for all the great memories we’ve made. Better just leave it at that and not put anything regrettable in print. I could write a whole edition of the YS News thanking people, but unfortunately that can’t happen. Thank you to everyone who has made an impact on my life, I hope you know who you are.

I would also like to use this platform to express one of my strongest beliefs.

Young’s Jersey Dairy: GET AN ICE CREAM TRUCK!!! The ice cream truck industry in the Miami Valley is pretty much nonexistent. You have the opportunity to corner the whole market, and revitalize the industry.

The four other ice cream trucks in Ohio just got put out of business by the Young’s ice cream truck. It also expands your reach, even to the locals.

You are losing business to Corner Cone simply because village residents don’t want to get in their car and drive to Young’s. Guess what? They don’t have to, with an ice cream truck patrolling the streets! This is a cash cow, pun intended. I am well aware that you are business masterminds, and this idea has probably come up at one point or another, and who am I to tell you how to run your operation. But seriously.

Think of the children! I don’t think there is a single kid who wouldn’t be excited about a Young’s Dairy ice cream truck. It’s not like you don’t have the resources for it. I’ve driven by on Saturday afternoons. Email me if you would like to speak about this any further at dyln.dtrch@gmail.com.

Please do not contact me if it is not ice cream truck related.

TRISTAN GIARDULLO Denise Swinger and Joseph Giardullo

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

My relationship with the village of Yellow Springs has had its moments.

It was nice having a safe and friendly place to grow up in, while at other times I just wanted to hop into a car and drive as far away as I could. But that’s how relationships work, right?

Some days you like it and some days you don’t! I had an amazing childhood growing up on King Street. I could walk around town with my friends and not worry about getting snatched by some dude in a Ford pickup truck. I hope it remains that way for the next generation.

The school system was good to me. I learned a lot and had some really great teachers along the way. Thank you, Ms. Denman, Ms. Morgan, Ms. Blake and Mr. Collins! The teachers really cared about my success. This fall I will complete my associates of applied sciences degree in unmanned aerial systems at Sinclair, then onto a four-year school to get certification in GIS. After that, I plan to start a drone business.

I have lots of interests that I can use drones for, especially if it’s something that protects endangered species. I want to live life, travel a lot and make bank! Thank you, Yellow Springs. I will never forget you.

BRIANNA FISCHER No response submitted.

JASMINE FODAL No response submitted.

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Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, Craig Mesure

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AMELIA LEEANNE GRAY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Shayne Gray

Sara and

Growing up in Yellow Springs has been a wonderful experience. I lived in Xenia for 13 years and moved to Yellow Springs in 7th grade, but I have always gone to Yellow Springs schools through open enrollment. I love being in a small school, I know everyone, and I have grown up with most of my class. One of the best things about being in Yellow Springs is that I am close with my grandparents. Most kids don’t get the opportunity to see their grandparents as often as I do. They are a big part of my life and I am very grateful that I’ve gotten the opportunity to grow up with them. They have taught me a lot about life and responsibility. I love you very much and will miss you!

I plan on attending Trine University located in Angola, Indiana, and majoring in forensic science. My hope for the future is to eventually become a forensic scuba diver. I have been scuba diving for almost nine years now and want to continue that throughout my life. When looking at future careers that incorporated diving but were not in the hospitality industry, forensic diving came across my plate. Forensic diving includes evidence collection, body retrieval, wreck analysis and search and recovery. I have always loved science so combining my two passions only seems right. My scuba family at Aquatic Realm Scuba Center, Lynn, Cindy and all the other instructors and buddies (Joe) have helped me gain confidence in myself and my scuba abilities. Love you all!

I want to thank my parents for all the great love and support that they have given me over the past 18 years. I will miss you! I also want to thank my teachers for the push that they have given me to do my best and a special shout-out to Ms. Reynolds for my special safe place. I will miss Yellow Springs very much but I will always have a place in my heart for the small town that has helped shape me.

Some things that need to change at the high school is the right hand needs to talk to the left hand and have better

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Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, Bambi Williams, Sam Eckenrode & Minerva Bieri

May 25, 2017

Current Cuisine

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organization overall. The school needs renovations: bathrooms, teachers being able to control their thermostats, AC in the gym, screens for all the windows, updated locker rooms, larger lockers for books and coats and finally a doorbell at the parking lot door.

Lastly a shout-out to my 2017 classmates. We have been through a lot together. I wish all of you the best of luck in your future and I have the confidence that you will be successful in anything that you set your mind to.

We made it!

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the foxy mama that has simultaneously taught me that there’s more to life than my GPA, and also that being a kickass student who always does what he needs to do is actually very cool.

I’d like to thank all of my friends that I’ve made at YSHS. Especially everyone who has indulged me when I’m laughing at my own jokes longer than anyone else. I’m truly grateful that I got to experience high school with such amazing and unique people.

I especially want to thank Duard Headley and Ziven Siler. You two have marked my childhood and adolescence with hundreds of thousands of laughs, unending acceptance and necessary opposition. I’m more grateful than I could fit into this page.

Finally I’d like to thank my teachers at the high school. Especially Dave Smith, French teacher extraordinaire.

Throughout these four years, you’ve always been a steadfast proponent of goodness, and for your support and guidance, I am extremely grateful. I suppose I could have had a satisfactory childhood somewhere other than Yellow Springs, but not one like this.

Thank you for everything.

The community has not only helped me with communication, it has also helped me with my worldly views.

Growing up in a very liberal town has helped enhance my views, and shown me that I can stand by my opinions and be accepting of others.

Leaving the tight-knit community that is Yellow Springs will be hard but I am very excited to attend Bradley University in the fall to study photojournalism with a pre-med track.

My main goal is to travel around the world to raise awareness about current issues and help underdeveloped countries. Hopefully in 10 years I will be happy with where I am in my life and who I am.

Before leaving, I would like to say that I am immensely grateful to my teachers, parents, the community and the class of 2017 for supporting and educating me throughout the years.

Thank you.

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Although the town itself was small, there was always something to do, or someone to talk to. I don’t think YS is entirely unique. It isn’t some perfect bubble where everything is great and nothing goes wrong, but it’s pretty damn good, and there are few other places I can think of on Earth that I would rather have spent my childhood.

See you around, YS. I’ll definitely be back.

DANNY HORTON PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Otto Horton

SAM GREEN Cheryl Levine and Stephen Green

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

All I know is the village, as I’ve only ever lived in Yellow Springs, so I can safely say that living here has been the best time of my life! All jokes aside, I couldn’t ask for a better environment to grow up in, and better people to share it with. Yellow Springs is remarkable for its safety, both in the town and in the schools. I really value this feeling of safety, because I’ve never had to smother an aspect of my personality so that I could avoid harassment or bullying. Yellow Springs has taught me that if you show people a kind face and put forward positivity, people will respond with the same. Yellow Springs has also taught me that the net gain of glycolysis is two ATP. I feel a huge amount of gratitude towards so many people, for all they have done for me, taught me, and supported me throughout the years.

Firstly, I’d like to thank my parents: Stephen Green and Cheryl Levine.

They have taught me essentially everything I know about how to be a good person, and they are better role models than I could ever ask for. If I had to choose one lesson that has remained with me the strongest, it is to always stand by the truth, even though it sometimes goes unrewarded, and that kindness is valuable beyond measure.

Thank you for everything, including all the things I won’t ever know that you’ve done for me. Next I’d like to thank my brother Ben Green. You’re

DUARD HEADLEY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

and Duard Headley

ELESHA HARNEY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

and Patrick Harney

Mina Lee

Every year I look forward to reading the senior bios to see what my peers want for their future. I couldn’t wait to have my chance at this opportunity, but now that it’s here it’s a bittersweet goodbye.

I have been going to Yellow Springs schools since fourth grade and looking back now I am grateful for every year I have been able to attend.

Being a part of the Yellow Springs community has exposed me to many different opportunities that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else. For example, participating in activities like SPIDEE, Charlotte Drake and theater have equipped me with skills that I will use in my future.

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Dunphy Real Estate, Jo, Teresa & Sheila

Lara Bentley

My first introduction to Yellow Springs was seeing a commercial for Mr. Fub’s on PBS when I was 4 or 5. When my parents told me they were moving us to YS, I was ecstatic because it meant I got to live in the place I’d seen on TV. For me, it was the childhood equivalent of moving to Hollywood. While YS certainly isn’t Hollywood, for better or worse, I’ve loved growing up here all the same.

I often muse that I wouldn’t be anywhere near as outgoing, goofy or dramatic if it weren’t for the freedom that Yellow Springs schools provided me.

Anywhere else, I probably wouldn’t have been myself. Being a YS resident has given me the opportunity to experiment with and explore things that were interesting to me, both in and out of school. I got to act, work, write, discuss, hike and participate in town government. With friends in tow, I roamed the streets of our tight-knit community, spending lackadaisical afternoons at Dino’s and whiling away the summer days exploring the Glen.

It has been amazing growing up in Yellow Springs. This town has taught me so many things and I will be forever grateful for the experiences it has provided me with. Learning how to become my own person and being taught that it was okay to fail sometimes and yet still having full support from my teachers and community has been truly amazing these past 12 years. Thanks to things like SPIDEE, Project Charlie and Anytown I have been able to find my passion for social justice and have been able to participate in a variety of camps and workshops to help spread the message of equality to those around me. Over the next four years I will be doing the Clark State/Wright State transfer program to obtain my bachelor’s in social work. I would like to thank my teachers, coaches and peers for being right there with every step of the way. I will miss you all dearly. Lastly, I would like to give a shout-out to my Mom, Nana, Sister and Uncle for helping me make the best out of my time here because I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

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Ehman’s Garage

Lesley and

Emporium Wines/ Underdog Café

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Yellow Springs High School

EVENING HUDSON Chris Hudson; Jennie Hudson

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Yellow Springs schools have been a huge positive impact on my life. There is a lot of diversity and for the most part, students are friendly and positive. The teachers, I feel, genuinely care about their students. I am so grateful for my teachers: Mr. Smith, my French teacher and guidance counselor; Mr. Day, my history teacher; Ms. Lutz, my English teacher; Mr. Comstock, my study hall monitor; Ms. Reynolds, my incredibly patient math teacher; and Mrs. Eguaroje, who I think prepared me for just about anything future professors will throw at me.

I had several amazing friends through high school, even though my social group changed a little almost every year. I had several friends who helped me through some difficult and upsetting times.

I am currently planning to become a nurse and I will be attending Clark State Community College next year. I am very excited to start my career.

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have much of a detailed experience here. But over the course of this final school year, I have learned a lot about myself and I have met some really great people to make that journey with me. Socializing is not my greatest attribute as a person, but I have managed to find my little chunk of the sidewalk and I wouldn’t trade the people I share it with for anything.

This school year had its bumps in the road, as most years often do, and sometimes I really questioned my ability to move forward or to finish. Thanks to some really great friends and teachers, I am standing here only a few weeks away from walking out with cap and gown, ready to start the next chapter of my life. I am so grateful to have teachers who are not just here because it is their job — they are here because they want to make a difference in our lives.

I can tell that they truly want the best for each of us. Going to a small school is great because I have had the chance to develop one-on-one trust with every single one of my teachers. Now some of the classes are favored more than others — but who wouldn’t love a writing class when you carry around seven different notebooks and prompt journals? I’m so thankful I have had the opportunity to meet such people who inspire me to do what I love and push me to do better for myself even when I am at my lowest. Thanks to them, I have finally set my goal to be an English teacher so I can one day also share my passions with a student who may need it just as much as I did.

talk to you like you were a child; they understood us. I felt accepted for once, something I’ve never been in Dayton schools. The most meaningful moment of being there for me was the senior trip. I felt like I’d lived here my whole life that night. The positive vibes were everywhere; it’s so easy to open up to them and be social, even if you’re shy like me. I’ve never been so comfortable around lots of people, but with them I just want to be completely involved in everything!

I don’t think I would change a thing about this year. I wish it could last forever. My plans for the next few years are hopefully moving to Yellow Springs this year and then after that, college, of course. I want to be a video game designer or animator of some sort and I’m determined to be more successful than my parents. I won’t give up until I am. Experiencing Yellow Springs really helped me open up and be more accepting of myself. Thank you to everyone who talked and hung out with me and to the teachers who helped me. I’ll never forget you.

MADISON JORDAN No response submitted.

AUGUST KNEMEYER PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Michael Knemeyer

MYANA JOSEPH Tisha Wilhoit and Christopher Joseph

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

JORDYN JOHNSON Cheri Johnson-Brewer; Cary Brewer

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

I didn’t grow up in Yellow Springs, but my father did; he’s the one who recommended this school to me, and I’m so happy he did. My senior year at Yellow Springs High School was amazing! The teachers were so caring and they didn’t

As one of the newest members of the Yellow Springs community, I do not O U R

Glen Garden Gifts

Stacey and

My time in Yellow Springs has been an experience I will never forget. The community has put me in a great place to succeed here, and for years to come.

Beginning in kindergarten, where I learned about the Caribbean from Mrs. Brunsman, to building lava lamps in AP chemistry, these experiences have been very valuable. I have participated in many projects that I will always remember. Raising baby chicks in Mrs. Denman’s class, building wind turbines in Mrs. Amin’s class, constructing carnival games in Mr. Hatert’s class and studying my family history in Mr. Day’s class were all valuable projects.

PBL gets its fair share of criticism, and admittedly, it has its flaws, but I feel that working in teams to accomplish tasks beyond the textbook has more than well prepared me for the real world. I owe many teachers thanks, including Mrs. Brunsman for teaching

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May 25, 2017

me the importance of an artistic outlet; Mrs. Amin for having patience with me, asking endless questions for the three years she was my teacher; Mr. Comstock for taking a genuine interest in my life outside of school; Mr. Lowry for inspiring me to study engineering in college; and Mr. Smith for actually making sure I get into college, giving me countless hours of help!

I have been a part of programs outside the classroom as well. Memories of homecoming soccer games and interactive band concerts will forever be ingrained in my head. There are coaches and leaders of these programs whom I would like to thank. My soccer coach, Ben VanAusdal, for teaching me that hard work does pay off; and equally, the assistant coaches, Mark Breza and Jake Gunderkline for giving me a smile during summer conditioning. I would like to thank my band director, Mr. Mayer, for igniting my interest in music. Thanks to head basketball coach Bobby Crawford for making me feel confidence and joy on the court, when I really had no business being out there. Last but not least, I would like to thank head tennis coach and family friend Donna Silvert. Not only has Donna taught me about the true meaning of team sports, but she has also been someone I can trust and who I can talk to about anything going on in my life. She has always been there for me and I hope she always will be.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my loving family. My grandpa Mike, who I wish could be here to see me graduate; my YiaYia Jean for her confidence in me; grandma Melva, who always kept her door unlocked in case I needed to work on something that I put off. Melva would make me food while I worked without me asking! My brothers Ethan and Jason have heavily influenced me.

They’ve showed me that anyone can do anything if you keep working at it.

They are not just brothers to me, they are my best friends. My mom would spend countless hours working with me on topics she never learned. She really is my biggest fan. I couldn’t live without her. My dad does all of the same. He made midnight trips to Walmart for supplies, and gave me ideas for projects that turned into the best pieces of work I have completed.

He always made sure I knew that he would support me no matter what. I will be attending Ohio State University in the fall, studying mechanical engineering in the Scholars program.

Thank you to Yellow Springs for everything. And don’t worry, I will be back.

S P O N S O R S

Greene County Career Center Greene County Public Health

James A. Tetz, D.M.D

Yellow Springs High School

CLASS OF 2 0 1 7

A Special Section of the YELLOW S PRING S NEWS

their pre-pharmacy program. The plan is to eventually work in a small town pharmacy like Town Drug. However, there are so many other parts of pharmacy that sound interesting so who knows what will happen.

Baby be a simple kind of man Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can” Baby, be a simple, be a simple man Oh, be something you love and understand Baby, be a simple kind of man Maybe if we wanted more for ourselves, cared more for our neighbors and loved and understood each other, we could be a better world and generation. But there is a lot of selfishness and hate to fix first. Forget our lust and greed. Instead, we should be helping those in need, not letting them sleep in the streets. Put down your phone, and open up a book or go and take a walk.

Enjoy the world, not just your own. We can do better if we try.

KASEY LINKHART PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

and Greg Linkhart

JOSHUA LUSTRE

Christine

As I’ve gotten older I have begun to feel done with high school and ready to move on. And as it gets closer to graduation, I’ve caught myself looking back and remembering things all the way back to elementary school. I can still remember the excitement of looking on the front doors to see whose class we were in, running a hot chocolate business in the mornings, and getting ready for Egypt Night. While the time ticks away, I start thinking of all of the things that I’m going to miss. I’m going to miss knowing almost everybody in my class and knowing all of their business, having those inside jokes with fellow classmates, being close to so many teachers to the point where a bunch of us have lunch together everyday, and just being from a school where I do not have to worry about too much.

One of the most meaningful things about growing up in Yellow Springs is the support that you get from so many people. I have so many people who I would like to thank. First off, Ms. Amin who said she loved our class so much that she kept moving up grades with us. I was lucky enough to have her as a teacher for 3rd, 4th and 6th grades.

Ms. Holly for igniting my love for knitting and teaching me a lifelong hobby (along with some math). Mama Eguaroje for always being there for me and eating my popcorn. And to Mr. Comstock for always dropping everything and being there to listen/talk with me whenever I needed it, you do not know much that has meant to me. Thanks to the class of 2017 for making these past four, six, 12 years the best they could possibly be. I can’t wait to come back and hear about all of the great things we’ve all accomplished. Lastly, thank you to my parents and family — you’ve put up with me through everything.

And since there isn’t enough room to thank everyone by name, I send a huge thanks to everyone who’s made an impact on my life. I hope you know who you are.

Next year I will be attending the University of Cincinnati to major in

No response submitted.

ALEXANDER LUGO Call me Lynyrd Skynyrd, cause I’m a simple man.

“Simple Man” Mama told me when I was young “Come sit beside me, my only son And listen closely to what I say And if you do this it’ll help you some sunny day” “Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast Troubles will come and they will pass You’ll find a woman and you’ll find love And don’t forget son, there is someone up above” “And be a simple kind of man Oh, be something you love and understand Baby be a simple kind of man Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can” “Forget your lust for the rich man’s gold All that you need is in your soul And you can do this, oh baby, if you try All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied” “And be a simple kind of man Oh, be something you love and understand Baby be a simple kind of man Oh, won’t you do this for me, son, if you can” Oh yes, I will “Boy, don’t you worry, you’ll find yourself Follow your heart and nothing else And you can do this, oh baby, if you try All that I want for you, my son, is to be satisfied” “And be a simple kind of man Oh, be something you love and understand

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Todd McManus, O.D. Nipper’s Corner

KENNY McKINLEY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Doug McKinley

Rachel and

Thanks to the help of the community, schools and my family, I feel I am ready to succeed. I’ve lived in Yellow Springs my whole life and it has shaped me into who I am today.

I have always felt a strong sense of community and friendship living here.

While YS may have been a fun place to grow up, not everything about it was ideal. While going to a small school has advantages it also has clear disadvantages, like the lack of a football team. I am thankful for the community’s support of soccer, which is where I made many friends and learned the value of teamwork. When you live here your whole life it’s easy to be cut off from the “real world” and you risk living in the bubble that is Yellow Springs. This isn’t an issue until you need to leave for college, career or if you just feel like branching out. It can make it difficult to feel comfortable in the outside world when you don’t know every person at the high school and every other person from Yellow Springs. Overall, though, I feel that Yellow Springs was a good,

| May 25 , 2017

secure place to grow up and has put me on a good trajectory for the rest of my life.

Something great about Yellow Springs is the friendliness of the community and the overall feeling of support that you get while living here. Just recently during my senior project we needed some help from the elementary school teachers and parents, and they were more than happy to help us make our senior project a great success. The YSHS trainer Ashley was even willing to come to the camp all three days on her own time as well as supply water for us. Yellow Springs also has a great system set up for people that have mental or physical disabilities or have some sort of difficulty. I personally had trouble hearing and speaking correctly when I was younger, which set me back a bit from kids the same age as me. But thanks to some of the great resources that Yellow Springs has for young children I overcame those early disadvantages and by middle school I was placed in many advanced classes. Had I gone to a different preschool and elementary school, I may never have gotten to where I am today, getting ready to enter the Ohio University’s School of Business. I know other students here have been impacted in the same way.

I also am very thankful to my family, which has always been supportive and helpful throughout my life.

We have some great teachers and staff throughout the school system that really care about how you do and want you to succeed. Someone who comes to mind is Mr. Comstock, the study hall monitor. He was always checking in with kids and suggesting ways to help their grades because he really wanted all the students to succeed. Another person that sticks out to me is Mrs. Reynolds, who has a tutoring system and used academic lab to help students who were falling behind. She also was always willing to help me even when I was taking a college math class. While those two stick out in my mind, there are many more examples of teachers who care about their students in Yellow Springs and they help them succeed.

Even though I am leaving for college in the fall, I hope to remain friends with many of the people I grew up with.

S P O N S O R S

Re/Max Victory, Chris & Rick Kristensen & Shelly Blackman

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Reichley Insurance Agency

8

Yellow Springs High School

C L ASS OF 2017

A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

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May 25, 2017

me understand the weight of the work that would come in the near future.

In my freshman year, ignoring every other worksheet seemed like no big deal and my other assignments would add up in the end. But now, missing something creates a major issue for the overall reflection of my work. I realize now that I have a certain standard to meet in the world in order to progress in society. Next year I will be attending Columbia College Chicago to pursue musical theater and possible screen acting.

MORGAN MINNICH No response submitted.

ROGER MEJIA RIVAS† PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Dennis; Adriane Miller

HANNAH MORRISON

Luke

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Brandon Morrison

I’ll go home and back to school in Mexico, finish my last year at high school and go to college. I had a great time in Yellow Springs. Everyone was so friendly and open-minded that, if I have the opportunity to come back to the EU, I’ll come back to Yellow Springs.

If I could summarize my year here, I would say this gave me perspective on life, family, happiness and freedom.

CHUCK MORAN PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Moran

WINDOM MESURE Sylvia Ellison and Craig Mesure

Tracy L.

I did not grow up in Yellow Springs; I still live in Xenia. I started going to school in Yellow Springs back in seventh grade. Right from day one, I made long-lasting friendships. I have always enjoyed the sense of community within the village.

There have been ups and downs throughout my experiences in Yellow Springs, but there is more good than bad. The administration at the high school/middle school is very good at listening to the feedback students give and working with students so they may find success.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Senior year is that fantasized time of your life that you only see in teen “rom-coms.” But now mine came and went, and I’m glad it was really just normal. Nothing too fantastic happened. But on the other hand, nothing terrible happened either. The best part of it was that everything just went as it should. The thing I’ll probably take away the most is the idea that I didn’t have as much work as I did in the past, but the work now compared to then has more importance behind it. Some assignment completion, like my senior project, determined whether I would be able to graduate. Senior year helped

Within this close-knit town I have found people who have given me endless support and love, and I feel that is definitely what has fostered my own personal growth as a young adult, a student and an athlete.

I love the smell of Sunrise Cafe’s pancakes on a Saturday morning, and Yellow Springs is the place where I have always been able to find that sweet scent of coffee and all things wonderful.

Along the sidewalks of Xenia Avenue I have had some pretty great jogs, and it is also where the autumn leaves are the prettiest caramel and orange hues. I can also find the softball field where I have pitched some of my favorite games, and situated upon the hill beside the field is the pool where I have spent many hours a day during the summer reapplying sunscreen at the pool, in an effort to not return home looking like a lobster.

Down the road from the field is where I have spent a majority of my time enduring a tough swim with my coaches, life guarding or working out at the Wellness Center. Like the town, the people of the Wellness Center have given me so much support throughout my high school career, and I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful little community.

As for my future plans, I will be attending Miami University this coming fall. I plan to major in kinesiology with a pre-med co-major, in hopes of one day becoming a sports medicine physician. I also hope to study abroad, perhaps in Asia or South America, but I know life can take me anywhere, so I’m just gonna go with the flow.

Debra Williamson and Peter Oliver

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

I love to see all my friends at school or in town. I am happy to say hi to my friends when I see them because they always are nice to me. Prom and Homecoming were very fun. I got to dance with my friends. Watching the Yellow Springs Bulldogs means a lot to me. I have learned so much in Mrs. Chick’s classroom about how to take care of myself. She also helped me learn to make lots of friends. I really like eating lunch with Olivia and Dhani. Mrs. Richeson, Demetria Hoad, Miss Sharon, Mr. Johnson and Laurie Pollock have helped me make art, learn lessons and work hard. The Bulldog Brigade and Claydogs we did this year let me do work in our community. I also really like Mrs. Materne and Mrs. Lutz. Right now I am working at 4 Paws for Abilities in Xenia. After graduation, I may work at Hardman Farms or at Friends Care.

HAYDEN ORME* No response submitted.

SARAH PEARSON No response submitted.

O U R

Sam & Eddie’s Open Books

Tamara and

ALEX OLIVER

S P O N S O R S

Soin Medical Center TCN Behavioral Health Services

Tom’s Market

Yellow Springs High School

CLASS OF 2 0 1 7

JOSEPH PLUMER No response submitted.

ERICA RANARD No response submitted.

LANDON RHOADS PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Lindie Keaton

Ed Rhoads;

I consider myself extremely lucky to have been raised in a community like Yellow Springs. One of my favorite things about the community is how many opportunities kids are given to meet each other at a young age. I met many people through programs and events such as Perry League T-ball, YSKP and recreational soccer that I still know to this day, many of whom are in my graduating class.

I went to the Antioch School for elementary school and met many friends there. The Antioch School introduced me to different ways of approaching problems that I still implement to this day. I don’t see as many opportunities in other communities to meet peers outside of the classroom setting as I see in Yellow Springs. Those opportunities eased the transition from private to public school immensely. Aside from a few, I can honestly say I’ve known all my friends since before high school and many even before middle school.

One of the main areas I think Yellow Springs could improve is being more open and accepting towards conservative-leaning people. I myself am not a conservative, but have noticed that people in the community tend to treat conservatives differently. It seems like once people hear someone is conservative, they automatically assume the person is hate-filled or racist, which is often not the case. This behavior from a community that prides itself on being open and accepting is unacceptable.

If it turns out someone is hate-filled, that’s another issue to address. My point is, everyone needs to be given a chance to thrive in our community.

In high school, soccer was an extremely fun and fulfilling experience that I

A Special Section of the YELLOW SP RINGS NEWS

wouldn’t trade for anything. Getting closer with my teammates over my four years of playing was amazing. We also had our most successful year my senior year, and going out on a strong note was exactly what I’d hoped would happen.

My parents, although separated, raised me into a well-rounded individual through their individual parenting styles.

My dad, living in Springfield, expanded my horizons beyond Yellow Springs much earlier than most YS natives. I also consider myself extremely lucky to have two outstanding stepparents. Joel and Emily taught me many life lessons and have always been there for me to offer support when needed. I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life.

Many teachers made positive impacts on me throughout my high school career. Mr. Day teaches in a way that always really clicked with me, so I always really enjoyed his classes. Mr. Comstock has always been there to make sure my grades are in check, and I value his opinions on sports much more than the opinions of my own friends. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Smith as both a teacher and a guidance counselor. He’s a great teacher and doesn’t take himself too seriously, which helps him connect better with students. I had my first class with Ms. Reynolds in eighth grade, and have always really respected how devoted to her job she is. If I took a test in her class, I could count on the grade being in Progressbook that night.

My plans for the near future are to attend John Carroll University in Cleveland, major in communications (sports broadcasting specifically), have a blast in college, and graduate in four years. In the far future, my plans include working for ESPN, owning a large estate, and having a wife, kids and two French Bulldogs named Mike and Sully, or Woody and Buzz, or McQueen and Mater — some variation of Pixar characters.

Caleab Wyant

CHANCELER ROUCH* No response submitted.

Anthony Siemer; Samantha Siemer

Jacqueline Waggoner and William Roberts

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

people in this town make me feel safe and the scenery makes me feel open.

The absolute top on my appreciation list, in regards to the village of Yellow Springs, is the creative and supportive environment that the community has worked together to create. I’m excited to use the skills I’ve been taught to live my life as best I can.

I am thankful to my parents for dealing with and loving me, my grandma for supporting and accepting me, my teachers for caring and helping me and my community for smiling most of the time. Thanks, YS — high school isn’t the end of my time here.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

JULIAN ROBERTS

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ZIVEN SILER

KYRA SIEMER

An entire 18 years, give or take, has gone by — and wowee, we made it. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up in and around YS; the

I would like to thank the many O U R

Town Drug

teachers, coaches, friends and mentors that have helped guide me through my years of youth.

A special thank you to Mr. Gudgel, the Welsh family, the Creighton family, the Peifer family, Mrs. Eguaroje, Ms. Burkland, the Yellow Springs community and, of course, my parents (Jacqueline Waggoner and William Roberts), my siblings (Mychael and Griffin Roberts), and grandparents. Yellow Springs High School track has brought me the greatest joys of my high school experience. I wish the best for the future seasons and to all of my amazing coaches and fellow teammates.

I have decided to further my education next fall at The Ohio State University.

Congratulations to the class of 2017!

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Erica and

Unlike most people in Yellow Springs schools who have gone to these schools since kindergarten, I moved to Yellow Springs halfway through my 5th-grade year. I came from Toledo, Ohio, and was amazed by the drastic differences between my old school and Mills Lawn.

The very first thing I noticed was that it seemed like the teachers actually truly cared about my well-being. There were also much more hands-on and fun projects opposed to the black-andwhite, fill-in-the-blank worksheets from my old school. As cliché as it sounds, it feels like color came into my life at this point. At my old school, I was insanely shy and quiet and felt like I hardly existed. When I went to Mills Lawn, it didn’t take long for me to become much crazier and expressive of my own feelings.

Another sad fact from my old school was that I had about four hangouts outside of school with friends in my five years there. In Yellow Springs it didn’t take long for me to find the people who would still be my friends to this day, Sam Green and Duard Headley.

Hanging out quickly became a common event instead of a rarity like it had been before. About one summer later, I would discover one of my other amazing best friends, Aaron Stireman. I had originally gone over to his house to see him play this new game I heard about

S P O N S O R S

Jaimie Wilke, Holistic Massage The Winds Cafe

Yellow Springs Board of Education

bk

Yellow Springs High School

known as Minecraft. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made great friends and soon I was at his house so often that we were more siblings than friends. It makes me sad to leave behind these friends and my newer friends like Aidan Hackett, Kaden Boutis, Lucas Mulhall, Elliot Smithberger and Landon Rhoads. I could spend hours talking about how amazing my friends from Yellow Springs are, they are the best result of moving to this neat and friendly little village.

While I am very excited to move on and attempt making new friends and exploring a new city when I go to college, I feel melancholy about leaving my wonderful friends and the town home to some of my most enchanting memories.

My future is exciting with my being committed to Case Western and my plans to major in computer science.

I have been intrigued by computers for a considerable length of time but I have had few resources to pursue these interests. I think that college will give me the freedom I desire in my life and it will be a fresh start for me. Transitioning from a small accepting village to a college in Cleveland may be a bit of a shock to me at first but I think the change will be gladly accepted. While Yellow Springs sometimes seems like a fantasy town where timeliness is more of a joke, I would not have liked to have grown up in any other town.

C L ASS OF 2017

A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

helped me in so many ways. I’ve had the pleasure to play volleyball and run track and field with two of my favorite coaches. To my coaches, I want to thank you for constantly pushing me and always believing in me. To the other adults in my life who have always been there for me, I want to say thank you. Growing up in Yellow Springs is an experience I will never forget.

I plan to attend Wright State University to study regular education for preschool. In between studying for my teaching license, I hope to study abroad somewhere exciting. When I graduate, I plan to apply to a graduate program that will allow me to add a special education certificate to my teaching license.

Last thing I would like to say is thank you, Yellow Springs, for everything.

students. They encourage participation in thoughtful classroom discussions, and are always willing to give extra help or continue conversations outside of class. They’ve truly helped me grow into the person I am. I’m especially thankful to Ms. Simon, whose plan periods I completely monopolized this year, and without whose encouragement for four years I doubt I would be majoring in studio art starting this fall.

I also could not write this without thanking my parents; they’re pretty much the best and have been amazing role models and friends for the last 18 years.

I’m inexpressibly grateful for my experience going to school in this town.

There have certainly been times that I have wished I had lived and grown up in Yellow Springs. However, I’ve come to be grateful for the distance between myself and the village. I can appreciate the town differently than those who have grown up here and spent the last several years thinking tirelessly about moving away.

I can forever hold on to Yellow Springs as a refuge, knowing I can return at any time to the now-familiar town. Knowing that this place exists will anchor me for the rest of my life, and I’ll always look forward to coming back.

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May 25, 2017

and become a physiatrist. Not a podiatrist, which is what people usually think I mean. A physiatrist is a doctor that specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, so I would be able to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain through physical therapy.

I am so grateful that I was able to attend a school that is so different, that let me do projects that I was interested in and push me outside of my comfort level enough to help me learn some of what it is to be an adult. I have received endless support from my teachers and other staff members of the school.

One of my favorite memories is being assistant athletic director and helping out around the school. I would like to say thank you to everyone that came to any volleyball or basketball games, especially the 2015-2016 basketball season that was rough. I’d also like to thank all of my teachers, friends and family. And the class of 2017 for just being great.

ELLIOT SMITHBERGER No response submitted.

JOELLA STEFFENSON No response submitted.

AARON STIREMAN No response submitted.

AAKEEM TRUSS No response submitted.

CALLIE SMITH Mary Lynn Naughton and Dave Smith

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

ALIZA SKINNER PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Kurt Skinner

Linda and

What’s good about Yellow Springs is the strong sense of community.

Although my house is not in town, Yellow Springs has always been my home. I started at Mills Lawn in kindergarten and cherish my school experiences all the way through my senior year. I have met many role models and some of my closest friends in Yellow Springs. I’ve looked up to all my teachers, coaches and other special adults that have been close to me. I am grateful that I have a personal connection to each of my teachers. They have

I began attending school in Yellow Springs as a painfully shy, timid, and terrified 9th grader four years ago. I had gone to the same school with the same people for 11 years prior to high school, and although I had begged my parents to let me go to YSHS rather than continue my Catholic school education, I was still petrified that I would have a difficult transition. After my first day of school here, my fears proved to be unfounded.

The last four years have been filled with more happiness than I could have imagined. Within my first week of high school, I met people who have grown into some of my best friends.

It was so easy to connect with people here, I couldn’t believe it was real. I have been continuously amazed at the high concentration of genuine and kind individuals I have been surrounded by in high school.

My school experience has also been colored so much by the teachers I’ve had. So many teachers at school feel a real passion for their subjects and care deeply about passing this on to their

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Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce

ELIZABETH SMITH Hilary Blocker-Smith and Anthony Smith

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

As one of the many kids that didn’t actually grow up in Yellow Springs, I have a different perspective on the village. I have been going to school here since I was in the 7th grade and have been in involved in the community through my church even longer.

As a senior looking back on the past few years, my biggest challenge was when I first started attending school here and making friends. I was such a quiet, shy child and I had to figure out how to work my way into these already established friend groups. But once I befriended people, it was smooth sailing from there.

In the fall I will be at Ohio University and studying biochemistry. After that I hope to get into medical school,

KIKE VILLA CORONADO† PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Steve Bujenovic

Tina and

I’m an exchange student from Spain.

I enjoyed being here and participating in sports and meeting new people. I learned a lot about this country and also even about mine. I’ll go back to Spain and after high school, maybe college — maybe not. My future plans are to travel the world, have a family and live life.

S P O N S O R S

Yellow Springs Chiropractic

Yellow Springs Community Children’s Center

Yellow Springs High School

CLASS OF 2 0 1 7

and David Roche

JORDAN WHITE

ANNABEL WELSH

HOLLY WEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

Emma Weir

I can’t believe I’m graduating! I never expected that Yellow Springs is where I would be at age 17. Next autumn, I’ll be attending Ohio State University, where I plan on studying studio art and sociology. My interest in both of these areas stemmed from experiences I’ve had in Yellow Springs over the past few years. I have spent countless hours in the art room, and at events held by the 365 Project in town.

Dropping into Ms. Lohmeyer’s P.E. class to rollerskate around the gym may be my favorite memory in school thus far, though I’d like to extend my thanks to all the teachers and community members that have helped me grow. Particularly Desireé Nickell for spending so many extra (unpaid!) hours helping me perfect my work, and John Day for directing my favorite club, School Forest. And of course, Caroline Mullin, who always allowed me to play with the goats (even when I wasn’t scheduled to milk). Additionally without my mum, David and my sister, Evie, I wouldn’t have been able to get the most out of my experience in Yellow Springs.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Robert Welsh

Leslie Welsh;

I wrote this poem for my creative writing class and thought it summed up my experience growing up in the village. I plan on attending DePaul University in the fall.

Tim’s Trunk This Tree is planted with branches and leaves of plenty. watching over sweet Yellow Springs, listening to the birds and following the breeze.

When leaves fall and branches crumble This tree will still be here — with a trunk of stability, intelligence.

Patiently waiting for the familiar but never denying the new.

The roots which lie on sacred ground are deep within the soil of a village called home.

This Tree is a human The trunk is a man We are the roots Tim sits outside the Emporium.

Waving and listening to you Smiling and saying “Hello!” to me I walked past him today and will again tomorrow.

Shifting eyes and intimacy Because Tim is always here in a forest of diversity and familiaritywatching over the streets of sweet Yellow Springs.

Tim’s Trunk is the core of the forest Which spreads its roots forever.

You Grow Where You Are Planted

MAXWELL WEIS No response submitted.

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The Yellow Springs Community Foundation

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Kelvin White

Leslie and

When I first came to Yellow Springs, I was a little scared. Knowing that I left my old school in Huber Heights, leaving my old friends to wonder where I was. I also feared that I was not going to have any friends at Yellow Springs because I was from a different school, making me an outcast to their society.

However, I did have a family member at Mills Lawn who was a big deal to everyone at the time I was going to join their community.

I was in sixth grade at Mills Lawn learning how to fit in with the community to make friends who would be at my side for high school. My brother, Bryce White, was the king at Mills Lawn; it was thanks to him that I was known to be his younger brother and that I was new to their school. I was greeted with open arms from the teachers and the students because my brother was there first in Mills Lawn.

However, I needed to get help with my assignments from the school.

Thankfully, I am truly grateful to have teachers from Mills Lawn and even in Yellow Springs High School who taught me to be responsible, be respectful, and if there’s any problem, to always communicate with people who can help me. I am on an IEP that maps everything for me to work on with teachers who can help me through classes. All my teachers are nice; they each have a unique personality to them, and they try to push me to my very limits to be more excited to learn more about the world. If it wasn’t for my teachers, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.

One of the things I appreciate is playing soccer for Yellow Springs.

I played four years of soccer, which helped me become more healthy in life.

Playing soccer made me communicate more with people because it is the most important thing in soccer. But the most important thing I liked about soccer was being able to play with my friends and to enjoy sports for a living.

In the past I would not have changed a thing, but now that I am a senior at Yellow Springs I have some ideas

| May 25, 2017

that could be different, like how I wish there was a computer science class in high school. I believe that the schools could be more careful about scheduling tests, especially for the Ohio State tests. I would have liked to have kept in contact with my old friends at Huber Heights to see how they were doing and to tell them the great things I experienced at Yellow Springs. However, these would be very small changes because I am glad to have experienced my past with no regrets.

My plan for the future after high school is to attend Wright State to major in computer science. It’s my intention to become a video game designer; I would like to create my own games with stories I make for them or help design games for a great company that I respect. My other option I would like to be is an electrical engineer; I always wanted to see who things work inside of electronics. All I want to do is to have a nice and calm future with my friends and family who I appreciate in my soul.

GRACE WILKE PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Wilke; Art Mullins

Jaimie

Yellow Springs has given me so many positive experiences throughout my 18 years here. Living in such a small community for so long, I’ve grown very eager to go places and meet new people. I feel the culture of our town is very open and loving to most, and having the chance to grow up around such a free-spirited perception has made me into the human I am now, for which I’m very grateful.

I have much ambition and intend on going to the ocean. Although I have no rock solid five-year plans, I am pursuing my disposition to continue my education by the sea. I invite change into my life as much as possible, which is why traveling appeals so much to me now. I thank my parents, Jaimie and Art, so much, who have given me so much support throughout everything, and especially high school. I am grateful to have had such a community as Yellow Springs to grow and learn in.

S P O N S O R S

Yellow Springs Library Association

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Yellow Springs Police Dept.

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Yellow Springs High School

C L ASS OF 2017

A Special Section of the YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS

VICTORIA WILLIS

SHEKINAH WILLIAMS Growing up in Yellow Springs has been so strange but in good ways. I had many troubles with things like home life and school life growing up, but this town always gave me options to make myself feel good, to achieve and be successful, and to have a good time doing it.

YSKP gave me something to look forward to, and something to feel good about. And the more I did the plays, the better I got and the more I loved it. I made friends easier, I developed a skill in something I love, and it opened my eyes and mind to a bunch of different types of art I found interesting (such as drawing and painting). The theater and fine arts of Yellow Springs really helped my childhood and helped me find my passions. I got into music, now playing the cello. I’ve been acting with lead roles for about six years. I have been drawing passionately for about eight years and I am now in the process of trying to get my tattooing license.

That is my plan for the next year, to get my tattooing license, and to take a break from school. Last summer I went on a trip to Utah and found another passion of mine. I love backpacking and climbing mountains and exploring.

So I plan to travel and camp as much as I can within the year, while also tattooing. Fall of 2018 I hope to attend college.

I am so thankful for all my teachers from Yellow Springs, school and otherwise. I am grateful to this town for being so open to the arts. And I am extremely thankful to my friends who helped me get through this year as an independent student (Aaron <3, Kyra, Jordyn and Myana, I love you all!! You guys are amazing!!) And a huge special thank you to Shannon and John Stireman for accepting me into their home and taking care of me, and helping me through this crazy year. Thanks to my parents and brothers and sisters for supporting me, even from miles and miles away.

For the past 18 years of my life, I’ve been struggling to find out who I am as an individual. It’s not discovering what my characteristics and traits are.

In fact, I’d say that every encounter that I have had with another person I have shown friendliness with my genuinely sweet demeanor and the fact that I come off to others as a smart and respectable young woman. It’s also not hard to determine my interests.

From my love of reading to expressing my emotions through art and through music, the events and experiences in my life have taught me how valuable life is and how important it is to live each day to the fullest extent.

I grew up in a single-parent home.

For the first 10 years of my life I lived a happy childhood with my mother, who continues to inspire me today. My mother suffered with Graves’ disease for years and eventually it would take her life at just 33 years of age. The day she died was one that no person would be prepared for and it continues to shape my views on life. The fact that my mother died at a time of unhappiness in her life not only gives me sorrow but it motivates me to take control of my life and help others that need it.

The opportunity to go to college would allow me to share my ideas and views and become an even stronger and brighter person. I want to major in business because I have always wanted to create a name of my own. It would be an honor to have my name be a vital part of the world. Someday I hope to accomplish my dreams and make my mother proud.

I’ve gained since then. I have seen and I respect the differences between a small town and a big city, and I can say without hesitation that I love our small town so much more. I have been afforded so many opportunities I would have never imagined anywhere else. I have been able to participate in multiple sports, clubs and leadership opportunities throughout my high school career: volleyball, soccer, cross country, cheerleading, softball, track, daily announcements, SPIDEE, Project Charlie/GPS, Student Review Board, Communication Club, Friendship Club, Cleveland Alpha project, Prom committee, Girls Night Out and the Pajama Jam. Of course, I would have never been able to do all these amazing things without the support from my family, friends, teachers and the community.

One of my most treasured experiences was the opportunity to work in the special education rooms throughout all four years of high school. During open house before my freshman year, Mrs. Chick asked me to be a part of her friendship club, a club in which high school students volunteer their free time (e.g., study hall) to work with and socialize with her students. Through this club, I found one of my biggest passions, which I learned through handson experiences. It did not take me too long to realize I needed to do something career-wise within this field. If it not for Mrs. Chick and the multiple aides (Candace, Chastity and Demetria) that have taught and encouraged me through the years, I would have never found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” rang so true in my life. I honestly do not know where I would have been without this small village. I would like to give a special shout-out to the people who really stood out and pushed and encouraged me throughout the time I have lived here: Mr. Gudgel, Mrs. Haller, Mr. Hurwitz, Mrs. Wooten-Mitchell, Sarah Wallis and Bonnie Hoglund.

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May 25, 2017

NICKLAS WRIGHT Rachel Litteral and Scott Wright

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

I have changed schools multiple times in my life. All of them were fine, but they were all large schools in large towns filled with large opinions coming out of large mouths, and as a result, I felt very small. Moving to Yellow Springs schools, I felt a sense of community that I never had before. When you were in a play the whole town knew about it, and people you had never met before would congratulate you. I made so many friends both in my peers and in teachers, connections that will last for years to come.

It is because of these connections that I feel it will be hard to leave.

College will once again be that large space that makes anyone feel small.

However, being in this experience so long has better prepared me for that journey. From Mr. Smith I learned how to take the time to have fun and not become too much of a “big person.”

From Mr. Day, I found through his teaching the career that I eventually settled on, psychology. Without listing every teacher in the school, I can confidently say that most every person here affected my life in some way, and every new connection I made further prepared me for the future. I now look forward to whatever comes my way.

KEY:

DANIELLE WORSHAM PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Waring Worsham

Karen and

* GCCC graduate † Exchange student

When I was in the fifth grade, I was lucky enough move from a big city in Texas to a small town in Ohio. I can say this now even though I was not so sure of it at the time. I say this today because I appreciate the perspective

O U R

YS Psychological Center, Aïda Merhemic & Bob Barcus

S P O N S O R S

YSI/Xylem Brand

Young’s Jersey Dairy