Haley C. has been a Club member for ten years! Today, we’re excited to introduce this driven and passionate 11th grader as our 2025 Youth of the Year! During her time at Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, she’s grown into a confident leader, dedicated advocate, and someone who’s always looking to make a difference in her community.
Haley’s always jumped at the chance to try new things, exploring all the Club has to offer whether that was cooking, coding, or acting. Reflecting on those early experiences, Haley said, “The Club gave me a chance to develop resilience by helping me adjust to new situations and overcome challenges.”
The Club supported Haley’s family by providing a safe place for her to go after school until her mom finished work, and it created opportunities for Haley to envision and pursue an incredible future. She met Kena, one of her most influential mentors, at the Club. Kena encouraged Haley to join a program designed to help girls navigate puberty, build confidence, and make healthy choices.
“She truly made me feel welcome, and communicating with her was always easy and reassuring—almost like talking to a parent,” said Hailey. “People like Kena are who I aspire to be for others.”
At the Club, we’re dedicated to providing trusted, encouraging relationships for kids like Hailey at every stage of childhood and adolescence.
Haley is especially passionate about advocacy and environmental sustainability. As President of the Heal the Bay Club, she organizes beach cleanups and works to raise awareness about protecting our oceans. “I’m a strong advocate for beautifying our environment and making it cleaner and healthier,” she said. Her work doesn’t stop there—she’s also the founder of her school’s chapter of the Glimmer Childhood Cancer Club, where she leads efforts to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. “I believed that starting a club was the most effective way to engage my peers and inspire them to get involved in a cause that truly matters,” Haley explained.
At school, Haley takes her leadership to the next level as the Student Board Member, where she represents the student body and advocates for key issues like improving school safety and updating campus facilities. She’s learned how to set goals, build strong relationships, and get things done. “These opportunities have taught me how to make informed decisions and positively impact the daily lives of my peers,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Haley is just getting started. She’s determined to inspire others, spark change, and create a better future—whether it’s through protecting the environment, supporting important causes, or lifting up her peers. “I want to advocate for positive change in every environment I’m in,” she said. With her unstoppable drive, creativity, and heart for helping others, Haley is ready to take on whatever comes next and continue making an impact wherever she goes.
Your support equips us to create opportunities for over 2,200 kids like Haley each year. Make a gift today so we can continue creating spaces that inspire kids to chase their big futures!
