Kayleigh Donnelly embodies the benefits of attending a small school like George F. Baker High School. Now in her junior year, Kayleigh has built strong relationships with her peers and teachers, crediting the school's close-knit environment for much of her academic and musical success.
“Tuxedo’s small size has allowed me to form close relationships with my classmates and teachers,” Kayleigh said. “Everybody knows everybody. If I were at a bigger school, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to form those connections.”
Next year, Kayleigh is taking a bold step toward her future by enrolling in the dual enrollment program at Rockland Community College. Splitting her days between RCC and GFB, she plans to challenge herself with college-level coursework. With aspirations of majoring in either biology or political science, she’s excited to explore both fields before making a final decision.
While earning college credits in high school will give Kayleigh an academic advantage, she sees other benefits as well. Praising the personalized attention she’s received at TUFSD, Kayleigh views dual enrollment as a valuable step in preparing for the transition to a college environment.
Beyond academics, music is a defining part of Kayleigh’s life. A viola player since second grade, she recently earned a spot at the All-County Music Festival through a rigorous audition process. In addition to classical music, she performs with Fiddle Frenzy, a Warwick-based Irish music group that plays at local festivals and events.
“Music allows me to express myself in a way that words can’t,” she said. “It conveys emotions on a deeper level than language ever could. I love playing, I love listening—I just love everything about music.”
Her full schedule doesn’t stop there. Kayleigh is an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Ethics Club, where she serves as captain of the Ethics Team. She also works part time at a local dental office, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional setting. Despite her many commitments, Kayleigh thrives on staying busy.
“Even though I have a lot going on, I enjoy everything I do, so it doesn’t really feel like work,” she said.
With her drive, talent, and dedication, there’s no doubt that wherever Kayleigh goes next, she will continue to shine. As she prepares for the next chapter of her journey, Kayleigh is grateful that her time at Tuxedo has given her the foundation to succeed.