Cody discussed his academic success and his dreams of taking flight.

PEKIN, IOWA -- He has an interest in aviation, sports, and math. And senior Cody Millikin said he has enjoyed his time at Pekin High School.

"It's been real fun. It's going by really fast, though. Sports have been good...football, basketball, track, baseball. Everyone makes it enjoyable for everyone else. There's never really a dull moment," said Cody.     

Cody plans to attend Indian Hills Community College and major in aviation, hoping to fly everything from private planes to crop dusters. He said that many teachers have inspired him to do his best.

"Well, Mr. Sojka. He's been with me for four years but he just retired this last semester. He just taught me...work hard. He was basically my football coach, position coach. He just inspired me to work hard and do my best," said Cody.

Math and Science teacher, Bob Witzenburg knows Cody's family well. He taught his dad in school and Cody's grandfather works with the Junior Track Team.     

"He is an excellent student, works very hard, makes sure that everything is done. If he has problems, he'll come in the morning and get some help, but it's always done and...as busy as he is, he has to budget his time to get everything done, and he does it and does everything well," said Witzenburg.

And Cody has this advice for those striving to achieve academic and personal success.

"Work hard, and try your best, and the benefits of all that hard work will pay off in the end," added Cody.