Forman Scholar Hailey Craycraft Emulating Salem Educators and Dedicating Life to Students

Growing up, Hailey Craycraft benefitted from the wise words and loving encouragement of countless educators throughout the Salem City School District. Their inspirational teaching made quite an indelible impression – so much so that she now dreams of becoming an educator herself. To one day make an equally impactful difference in the lives of students, the Forman Scholar is studying early childhood education at Stockton University.

“The teachers who I had the pleasure of learning from helped mold me into the person I am today, and for that, I am truly grateful,” Hailey said. “My goal is to, one day, be a positive role model for my own students and allow them to realize their fullest potential.”

Hailey says choosing to study at Stockton was a no-brainer, especially considering the myriad opportunities the campus provides students both in and out of the classroom.

“I completely fell in love with the campus and the culture at Stockton,” Hailey said. “Everyone there seems so accepting, and in addition to the school’s robust academic programs, there are so many clubs and organizations I can join and be a part of.”

As a Salem student, Hailey seized every opportunity that came her way. She participated in many of the school’s theatre productions, spearheaded initiatives as a member of Student Council and spent countless hours managing multiple sports teams, including the girls’ softball and basketball teams. As a team manager, Hailey recalls the sense of belonging she enjoyed and the influence she had on the teams’ gameplay.

“Basketball games rank as some of my favorite Salem-related memories,” Hailey said. “I feel as if I really helped that team grow, and, in turn, I had the opportunity to grow, too.”

Hailey’s love for the biology classes she took at Salem High is due in large part to the relationship she was able to forge with the subject’s teacher, Bridget Cheeseman. By taking a true interest in the unique lives and needs of her students, Ms. Cheeseman further sparked Hailey’s passion for education and desire to emulate the approach taken by her favorite faculty members.

“Ms. Cheeseman is one of the main reasons why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place,” Hailey said. “If I end up teaching high school, I hope to teach biology because of her and her teaching style.” 

While Hailey is nervous about leaving Salem, she is most looking forward to gaining a sense of independence and greater insights into how to rely more on herself than those around her. She is prepared to embrace all the changes that are to come as a Stockton student, and she cannot wait to meet fellow Ospreys who share similar interests and passions.

“I don’t know much about what the next few years have in store,” Hailey said. “But one thing’s for sure: If I keep an open mind and make an effort to make the most of my college experience, I will encounter learning experiences I never could have imagined.”

This is Hailey’s first year of involvement with the Forman Acton Foundation, but she is already immensely appreciative of all the organization does on behalf of Salem and its students.

“The Foundation is really one big family,” Hailey said. “Whenever I’m speaking with staff members or fellow Scholars, I feel so supported, and I know that all of the mentorship and guidance provided by the Foundation is designed to help us succeed in our academic, professional and personal lives.”

To those students beginning to plan their lives after Salem High, Hailey offers a piece of advice.

“Try not to rush your decision,” Hailey said. “Consider all your options, reflect on the pros and cons of each, and resist the temptation to quickly make up your mind. There is a lot to consider, and a thoughtful decision is key to ensuring whatever you end up doing aligns well with your life goals.”