Domenica DeSantis, a 2020 graduate of Westerville North High School, has been named the ninth Graduate of the Year in the district’s Educational Options for Success (EOS) program.
She completed her graduation requirements through the EOS program, which is located at the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC).
"Earning the place on the wall was one of the most important things to happen to me," DeSantis said. "To be recognized for all of my hard work and all of the time I have put in is a feeling unexplainable. Having support of the whole staff and to have all of them there the whole time to support this big moment makes all of this hard work worthwhile."
During her three years in the program, school leaders said they’ve seen tremendous growth and maturity in DeSantis’ through her attendance and attention to detail. In addition to her classes, she worked at least 25 hours a week, balancing school and work with positive energy and a great work ethic.
DeSantis sought opportunities to help others, from fostering lost cats to putting in extra hours at EOS to help educators with book inventory. Domenica sees helping others as a privilege and often talked about how it made her feel good to help other people.
“Bright, productive, sensitive and loyal to family and friends, Domenica is also one of the most resilient young people to have attended EOS,” officials said.
The Graduate of the Year is selected by the teachers and staff at the AEC each school year. Attributes considered for this award are perseverance, scholarship, leadership, service, character, responsibility, respect, attitude, loyalty, and integrity.
For 20 years, EOS has continued to provide a quality educational alternative for students and their parents. The award-winning program serves a wide variety of students and has leveled the playing field to enable the district to actually gain a competitive advantage over its charter school counterparts. EOS has not only helped hundreds of at-risk pupils to complete their high school education, but it has recouped state funding which is lost when students drop out or leave the district to pursue other educational avenues. Approximately 90 students graduate from EOS each year, representing approximately 8% of the district’s annual graduate rate.