Episode 5: Building Her Future: A Mayfield Graduate on Opportunity, Community & Coming Home

In this episode of Let’s Talk Mayfield, Derrick Parrott continues the conversation around youth development by sitting down with recent Mayfield graduate Kelly Cortez.

Kelly shares her experience at Mayfield High School, the importance of being involved in clubs, sports, and school activities, and how those opportunities helped her meet new people, build connections, and grow as a person.

As she prepares to attend Eastern Kentucky University and major in construction management, Kelly talks about her future goals, including gaining experience, one day owning her own construction business, and hopefully contributing to Mayfield’s continued rebuilding and growth.

This conversation highlights an important part of Derrick’s youth development platform: preparing students for life after high school, connecting them to opportunity, and giving young adults a reason to return home with their education, skills, and experience.

Kelly also shares advice for future seniors: be involved, attend events, support your school, spend time with friends, and make the most of the season you are in.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kelly’s favorite memories from Mayfield High School
• The role of clubs, sports, and student involvement
• Her plans to attend EKU and study construction management
• Why dual-credit classes can help prepare students for college
• How new projects, jobs, and opportunities can encourage young adults to return home
• Why youth development must include listening to young people directly
• Kelly’s hope to see Mayfield continue growing stronger and more connected