Oliver Mills, a CMR freshman, has quickly become a familiar face at school events, often cheering from the stands or greeting classmates with a smile. While many students take for granted how much CMR has to offer, Hagel looks forward to every chance he gets to be involved. Homecoming was his favorite event this year. He attended coronation, the barbecue, the parade, the football game, and the homecoming dance. At the dance, students surrounded Hagel and danced with him so he felt included.
“Seeing other kids step in like that meant a lot to him,” his father, Nathan Gregier, said. “He just wants to feel like he’s part of the school.”
Cheering at games has become one of his favorite ways to connect with the CMR community. Being in the stands makes him feel included and reminds him that he belongs.
“When he’s cheering, he feels like everyone else,” Gregier said.
Mills has also attended volleyball games and is especially excited for basketball season, which is his favorite sport. Gregier said he would not be surprised if Mills continues showing up to nearly every game to support the Rustlers. During the school day, the freshman follows a typical schedule. He attends math, science, English, history, health, and art classes, along with a seventh period study hall. He opted out of PE this year because of how physically demanding it can be.
“If he pushes himself too hard physically, it makes the rest of the day really difficult,” Gregier said. By the end of most school days, Mills is exhausted. He is in special education classes, and his favorite subject this year is history.
Mills is supported by a strong team at CMR. He previously worked with a paraprofessional named Kristine, who helped him move between classes and supported him academically before moving on to new opportunities.
“He really loved having her,” Gregier said. “She made a big difference for him.”
Mrs. Underwood and Mrs. DeBruyker continue to help problem solve and find creative ways for him to be successful. His teachers have also focused on building relationships with him and making sure he feels valued and cared about. Another student who has made a strong impact is senior Peyton Fenner, who regularly stops to say hello, sometimes eats lunch with Mills, and makes a point to include him.
“Every time Peyton’s name was announced at the football games, Mills would go crazy cheering,” Gregier said. “That friendship means a lot to him.”
Mills lives with a rare genetic condition called beta-mannosidosis, which affects his body’s ability to break down certain sugars. The disease is progressive and impacts his motor skills, vision, speech, and overall energy. Despite the challenges, Mills remains determined.
“He still wants to live his life as fully as he can,” Gregier said. Mills talks about his dream of playing in the NBA one day and continues to greet as many people as possible with a smile. Through his enthusiasm, his presence at school events, and the people who support him, he continues to show the CMR community what belonging looks like.
