As the end of the school year approaches, seniors have mixed feelings about their high school experience coming to an end. Miles DeSantis is one senior graduating this year. He shares his past experiences in high school, while also explaining what his college plans are. His mom and his favorite teacher, Mrs. Connelly also describe their feelings as Miles moves forward with his future.

Miles has been a part of the Mayfield City School district for 12 years. He has participated in a variety of activities, including Swimming, Track, Smile Club, and Yearbook. One staff member who has had a great impact on him is Mrs. Connelly. She’s the only teacher he’s had consistently since freshman year, and her influence goes beyond academics. “Mrs. Connelly is someone I look forward to seeing every single day,” Miles shares. Her dedication to teaching and her supportive nature have made her more than just a teacher to him—she’s a mentor and a friend. “She’s always someone I can count on to help me with any subject, bake me cookies, cook me food, make me laugh, give me a piece of gum, and someone I can talk to about anything,” he explains. They have built a very strong connection over the years and Miles credits her for helping him grow not just academically, but personally as well. His favorite memories from Mayfield involve simple, yet meaningful moments, such as eating lunch with his favorite teachers. Academically, he feels his writing has improved, and his grades have gotten better over time. Looking toward the future, Miles plans to attend Bowling Green University to major in Communications. As he reflects on his time at Mayfield, it’s clear that the experiences and relationships he’s built will shape his future as he continues to grow and pursue his dreams.

Mrs. Connelly has known Miles since his freshman year, and she feels a mix of emotions as he approaches graduation. She’s happy to see him reach this point in his life, but at the same time, she’s sad to see him go. “I’m really going to miss him,” she says. Over the years, she’s witnessed Miles grow and mature, both academically and personally. “He’s always in a good mood, he’s positive and funny, and he makes my day better,” she shares. Mrs. Connelly has seen him develop a strong work ethic and a sense of direction for his future. “He has matured a lot, and he’s able to focus better and take school seriously,” she explains. With an end goal in mind, Miles now knows where he wants to be in the future. Mrs. Connelly’s advice to him is simple: “Work hard for what you want, you’re very capable. Even when things are really hard, stick with it because you can achieve more than you think.”

Miles’ mom has known him his whole life and feels incredibly proud as he prepares to graduate. “I’m so excited and proud of him,” she says. While she’s thrilled about his accomplishments, she also admits that she will miss him deeply. “I don’t want him to graduate, I’ll miss him a lot,” she confides. As a mother, she has seen Miles mature and become strong and independent. “He’s a strong advocate for himself, reliable, and responsible,” she says. His kindness and amazing personality shine through, and she’s proud of how hard he works toward his goals. “Miles has a strong head on his shoulders,” she reflects. Her advice to him as he moves forward is to be brave and follow his dreams: “Make choices you can always be proud of, and always be open to new adventures.”

As Miles DeSantis gets ready to graduate, it’s clear that his high school years have been full of important moments and great relationships. With the support of his family, friends, and teachers, he’s excited to start his next chapter at Bowling Green University. The experiences he’s had so far will definitely help him as he works toward his future.