GREELEY, Colo. – Vanetta Williams Haley receives the 2025 National Youth Service Day Award. The 17-year-old Dream Team Platte Valley member received a $1,000 scholarship check from Mayor John Gates at the April 15 City Council meeting.
Emily Crooks nominated Haley. She praised her for her work with the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the National Honor Society (NHS). Crooks said, “The last two years, she has spearheaded a drive to collect necessities for youth in the foster care system in Weld County.” Through NHS, she has volunteered in elementary and middle schools in her district and in both Kersey and Greeley. She has volunteered to teach youth cheerleading for several years and “is the first to step up in Dream Team and the school where there is a need.”
Throughout high school, Haley dedicated roughly 80 hours of volunteer time through NHS and FCCLA. Not including the hours she volunteered for cheer or outside of school.
Haley focuses on bettering herself as well as those around her. Crooks shared, “She is driven yet humble, and strong yet gentle in her dealings with others. Vanetta is compassionate about the world around her and has goals to improve the world. She plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at Colorado Mesa University. Hoping that she can contribute to the lives of others in the face of healthcare needs and otherwise.”
The National Youth Services Day Awards recognize young people who make a big difference in their community. The Greeley Youth Commission is a student-run board encouraging youth to become leaders. The commission accepts nominations yearly for individuals who have performed outstanding community service.