Hailey Nolette received the annual Girls Who Grant scholarship. Sanford High School applicants were asked to write a one-page essay on the following: What have you done and what WOULD you do to build a stronger community in Sanford? Hailey joined the monthly GWG event where she read her winning essay to members.

Growing up, Hailey’s parents opened their home to those with disabilities from Waban as an alternative to group housing. She had the opportunity to bond with people who have schizophrenia, mental retardation, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, manic depression and dyslexia. “I know I have helped them build stronger social skills as I have been a candidate for them to talk to and a teacher for them on basic house rules.  These small contributions that I have made to Sanford have positively benefited the people in the community” states Nolette.

It is because of her childhood experiences that she has chosen to pursue a degree in neuroscience with the focus on becoming a Physician’s assistant. “In the long run, my goal would be to find the main issues in the brain and treat those instead of continuing to mask the issues with medication, this will make a stronger community in Sanford because these patients can become more independent and happy individuals”.

GWG wishes Hailey a bright future and will be looking forward to her contributing to our community when she returns. Congratulations Hailey!!