Snohomish teen strives to help others while becoming first in family to attend college

While a lot of young people have no idea what they want to do when they grow up, that’s never been an issue for Haylee Rae Beltran.

“I’ve always wanted to be a youth pastor,” says Haylee, a senior at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish. “I’ve always been strong in my faith and I’ve been really lucky to stay in the church. I’ve just decided that I want to share that with others, too.”

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Along with leading youth groups and volunteering as much as she can in her church and community, Haylee has traveled to Mexico the past four summers on a mission to help educate kids who can’t go to school.

“Most of the students there aren’t born in the hospital, which means they aren’t legally in the system, so they aren’t allowed to attend school.”

The children live in squalor and it can be a challenge getting to them and helping them learn. But Haylee says the kids have become like family, and she can’t wait to return this summer.

“They are in a part of the town where it is mostly people who are just trying to survive, it’s by the dumpster and there’s where they get the stuff to make a house,” she says. “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. When I go there, they call me their sister or even their mom because their mom’s not always able to be around them.”

Haylee excels in school as well, maintaining a 3.7 grade point average while taking Advanced Placement classes and working part time at an after-school childcare program. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society, a leadership program to help fellow students, and a program that connects high school students with elementary school students for special events.

Haylee has been accepted to Seattle Pacific University for the fall, where she plans to study education. She will be the first in her family to go to college.

“At first, I thought it was a lot of pressure, but it’s actually made me really excited and made me want to lead a good path for my siblings because I’ve always thought education was super important,” she says.

KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and Comprehensive Wealth Management are proud to select Haylee Rae Beltran as a Standout Student of the month.

Haylee is one of nine exceptional students who will be selected for a $1,000 scholarship. One of the recipients will also receive a $10,000 grand prize scholarship.