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Graduate Spotlight: Denby Senior Aniyah Scruggs

May 12, 2025

Denby High School senior Aniyah Scruggs will carry the lessons learned from DPSCD long after graduation.

Aniyah plans to attend Kentucky State, an HBCU, in Frankfort, Kentucky, and study Psychology and Business.

As an end goal, Aniyah plans to specialize as a child psychologist with her own private practice. As someone who has struggled with her own mental health, Aniyah wants to advocate for others and help them in their mental health journey.

Ms. Scruggs also plans to join Kentucky State’s cheerleading team. A cheerleader since first grade, some of Aniyah’s fondest memories at Denby can be found on the cheer mat.

“Me and my cheer team were picked to make a cheer for the District to improve attendance and motivate students to come to school,” she said, referring to one of her favorite DPSCD memories. “That was super cool to be recognized for our skill, and the process of making the cheer was fun.”

As Denby’s cheer captain and a member of the District Executive Youth Council (DEYC), Ms. Scruggs said she has gained leadership skills that will be crucial for success in college and beyond.

“When you’re a leader, you aren’t focused on being in charge; you’re focused on serving others,” Ms. Scruggs  said. “Leadership has taught me patience, empathy, responsibility, and how leadership can be applied to every phase of your life. I think that leadership is something the District has instilled in me from the beginning.”

DEYC is comprised of two student council representatives from each high school who meet monthly to network, volunteer, and complete professional development opportunities. Her other favorite DPSCD memory is meeting Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti at a DEYC meeting.

“Seeing how things work behind the scenes, having a conversation with our Superintendent, and getting to know him as a person and his life story made me appreciate my District and who’s running it,” she said.

Denby also provided Ms. Scruggs with a close-knit community made up of students, teachers, and staff who give her every opportunity to thrive and care about her success.

Her advice to younger students: take advantage of every opportunity you’re given. Go to every District event you can. Use your voice to improve the District for yourself and for those who will come after you.

Ms. Scruggs reminded her fellow seniors and even herself to stay present in the moment amidst the chaos of college applications, assignments, deadlines, and preparing to step out into the real world.

“If you don’t stop and take a minute to experience where you are and appreciate where you are and how far you’ve come, you will miss it, and you can’t get your time back,” she said. “So, I think everyone should stop for a second, appreciate who they’ve become, how far they’ve come, enjoy themselves, and remember to be present where their feet are.”

Aniyah Scruggs