Haylie Grace Wilkinson was born on November 25, 2006, to Justin and Julie Wilkinson. She is the proud older sister of Jaxon, Austin, Alea, and Oaklie. Haylie’s favorite teachers are Ms. Horman and Ms. Balzer, who she says, “pushed me to be the best version of myself and always went above and beyond for me.” She describes herself as faithful, stubborn, and caring. If Haylie could travel anywhere in the world, she would choose Cancun, her “happy place” because of her love for the ocean. One of her favorite school memories is attending Play Day in elementary school and getting to spend the day with her mom. Her most embarrassing moment came when she sprained her ankle mid-jump, leaving her in a boot and crutches.
As a child, Haylie dreamed of becoming a hairdresser. After graduation, she plans to attend Mercy College and pursue a career in nursing and sonography. Her advice to underclassmen: “Just hang in there, it isn’t that bad.” About graduating, Haylie says, “It’s been a long time coming, but I am still a little sad that a big chapter of my life is closing.” She knows she will miss seeing her best friends every day and spending time with her favorite teachers. Haylie’s greatest influence has been her Aunt Holley, who “has always pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and do better for myself.” She is incredibly proud to be the first person in her family to graduate high school—her biggest accomplishment so far.
Shoutouts: “My parents, my siblings, my aunts and uncles, Aunt Holley, my grandparents, Ms. Horman, Mrs. Balzer, Mrs. Layton, my best friends Jordy and Montana, Zack Ray, Elizabeth Greenlee and Megan, the girls from work, Miss Jaine, Addie, and Ala.”