While other preteens were collecting “likes” on their smart phones, Haley Havard, a Key School student, was collecting clothing and sports equipment for families and children in need. In 2015, at the age of 11, she established Haley’s Helping Hands of Maryland. The nonprofit’s mission was to send out boxes of clothing and sports equipment to Maryland children and families in need. Five years later, the charity began helping others across the U.S. and has shipped more than 35,000 articles of clothing, free-of-charge to families across the U.S.

“Every so often I come across a student who stops me in my tracks,” said nominator Laura Burrell Baxter, Key School Director of College Advising. “Haley Havard is one of them. In my 25 years of working with young people, she stands at the top of the heap representing goodness, potential, leadership, smarts, and most importantly, kindness. And to top it all off, she is humble. Haley is one of a kind.”

This year, during the pandemic, Haley really stepped up by partnering with the Center of Help in Annapolis, said Board Vice President, Tatiana J Klein. During the COVID-19 crisis, Haley reached out to volunteer more, and has been tutoring young students virtually. The organization purchased and shipped $2,000 worth of books to families in need while Maryland was under a stay-at-home order, Klein said. “Haley is a well-liked leader among her peers because of her inclusive approach to relationships and her humble attitude,” added Klein. “She strives to make a difference in the world. Haley has a big heart and that love is not just for her own family but flows with empathy and compassion to all.” 

Haley’s Helping Hands is only part of this young philanthropist’s world. She also achieves academic excellence, pouring her heart into her studies with the same fervor as she does when volunteering, said her teachers. Diane Toebbe, a Key School Humanities teacher, said, “I often wince at the use of the word ‘scholar’ to describe high school students, as most of them are not developmentally ready for such a title. But Haley is the exception. She cares incredibly deeply about her education, not because she sees it as a ticket to some sort of monetary success, but because she is equally genuinely interested in the world around her and also driven to become the best human she is capable of becoming.”

Haley is also involved in a myriad of activities including sports, and school clubs such as Students Against Destructive Decisions, Students for Community Change and chorus. And, miraculously, she still finds time to just hang out with friends, said her supporters. “I think it’s important to note that she has a healthy balance of still being a kid while recognizing that she has a gift as a leader and organizer,” said Burrell Baxter. “We need more Haley’s in our world for sure.”