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Audrey Haile

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Location
Bethesda, MD
Age
19
Gender
Female
US Citizenship
US Citizen
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Religion
Christian
Church
Episcopal

Hobbies & Interests

  • Water Polo
  • Choir
  • Church
  • Youth Group
  • Soccer
  • Girl Scouts
  • Rock Climbing
  • Exploring Nature And Being Outside
  • Swimming
  • Diving
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Child Development
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Politics and Political Science
  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Sports

Reading

  • Historical
  • Classics
  • Fantasy
  • Literary Fiction
  • True Story
  • Humor

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

Hello! My name is Audrey and I have big dreams. I love to learn and always have, especially through reading. I want to pursue my education to the highest level and become an expert in my chosen field. I also enjoy solving problems, particularly in a hands-on way. I consider myself to be very resourceful and practical. I bring these skills into my passions by learning all I can about my goals and figuring out ways to achieve them, no matter what. My ultimate goal is to make positive changes in our world. Whether it's helping the environment, fixing our government, or raising the next generation of change-makers, I am ready to take on any challenge. Whatever I do, I aspire to lead a life filled with purpose and impact. I want to know that I made a difference, both in the lives of individuals and in the broader world. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to something bigger than myself. My current goal is to become a Social Worker, although it changes by the week. There are so many options! I have always wanted to be a foster mom, so social work allows me to get paid for doing what I love while hopefully improving the foster care system. Additionally, I have a strong interest in government, so I might also pursue a career in public policy. Secretary of State is always an option!

Education

College of William and Mary

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Psychology, General
Minors:
  • History
  • Sociology and Anthropology
GPA4.0 GPA

Walt Whitman High

High School

2021 – 2025

GPA3.9 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Northwestern University
Majors of interest:
Social Work, Psychology, General, History and Political Science, Social Sciences, General, Public Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Other
Test scores:
  • ACT34

Career

  • Whitman HS Book Room Assistant

    Libraries · Walt Whitman HS Writing Center

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Congressional Aide

    Government Administration · Girl Scout Congressional Aide Program

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Babysitter

    Individual & Family Services

    Jan 2021 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Civic & Social Organization
Dream career goals:
Social Worker
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship
"Does it ever drive you crazy? Just how fast the night changes. It'll never change, me and you." Besides being an awesome song, it was also the soundtrack to my senior homecoming post. Music is the background to everything in my life. I have been singing since 1st grade, and I've done chorus all 4 years of high school. For 45 glorious minutes during 7th period, I get to step into the chorus room and make beautiful music with some of my best friends. This is my time to relax and work toward something that isn't a test. Music can help grow your brain, but it doesn't always have to be educational; it can just be singing along to the radio, or humming something as you drive. Walking through the halls, I always have a song stuck in my head. Depending on my mood, it will calm me down, hype me up, or just make me feel seen. High school goes by so fast and so slow at the same time, just like music. Your favorite song can seem over in a blink while your little sister's chorus concert seems to drag on forever. Those memories can be gone in a blink, but music can help to capture that feeling. My favorite songs are the ones that have a memory tied to them. H-O-T-T-O-G-O reminds me of my amazing summer before senior year, complete with a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters where we kept ourselves fueled with granola bars and campfire songs. The eight-hour days felt manageable while I was singing and paddling with my friends. Waka Waka takes me right back to 5th grade, where I got to sing the descant, surrounded by friends. Music has always been there for me. When I'm singing or listening to music, I feel free. Nothing seems like such a big problem. The music community is also so welcoming and supportive. My chorus and theatre friends are some of the most loyal, fun people I know. We are able to work together and balance each other out, both on and off stage. Music has taught me so many important lessons of self-discipline and working with others, but most of all it holds memories and emotions. You can make music do anything, and that is what is so magical about it. The world would be a much less interesting, motivated place without it.
Kerry Kennedy Life Is Good Scholarship
I made a video but the upload limit is 10mb and I couldn't get it that small so I decided to submit a link to it here, hope that's okay! https://m.youtube.com/shorts/JImxy3n9Aww?feature=share (I'll just do a little summary and then copy and paste it a bunch to get to the word limit.) I've always wanted to be a social worker (specifically working with kids in foster care or getting adopted, etc.) because I wanted a job that would truly be helping the world. I've also always wanted to be a foster mom so those are kind of tied together. In order to do those I've always focused a lot on my education. I love to learn and I always tell myself that maybe one of these pieces of information will help someone else and that makes it all worth it. END- REST IS JUST TO MAKE THE WORD LIMIT I made a video but the upload limit is 10mb and I couldn't get it that small so I decided to submit a link to it here, hope that's okay! https://m.youtube.com/shorts/JImxy3n9Aww?feature=share (I'll just do a little summary and then copy and paste it a bunch to get to the word limit.) I've always wanted to be a social worker (specifically working with kids in foster care or getting adopted, etc.) because I wanted a job that would truly be helping the world. I've also always wanted to be a foster mom so those are kind of tied together. In order to do those I've always focused a lot on my education. I love to learn and I always tell myself that maybe one of these pieces if information will help someone else and that makes it all worth it. I made a video but the upload limit is 10mb and I couldn't get it that small so I decided to submit a link to it here, hope that's okay! https://m.youtube.com/shorts/JImxy3n9Aww?feature=share (I'll just do a little summary and then copy and paste it a bunch to get to the word limit.) I've always wanted to be a social worker (specifically working with kids in foster care or getting adopted, etc.) because I wanted a job that would truly be helping the world. I've also always wanted to be a foster mom so those are kind of tied together. In order to do those I've always focused a lot on my education. I love to learn and I always tell myself that maybe one of these pieces if information will help someone else and that makes it all worth it.
Stacey Vore Wrestling Scholarship
To me wrestling means dedication. Dedication to your mind, body, team, and self all combine into a wonderful sport. It is easy to be dedicated when your sport is the one everyone comes to. When everyone knows the rules and can talk to you about your latest game. When you are the one who scores the soccer goals or throws the touchdown, it is easy to be motivated and dedicated to your sport. Wrestling is one of the less common sports, which means that most people don't understand what you do. You have to trust in yourself that you can stay dedicated to your sport even though other people can't really talk to you about it, or don't understand what you do. When you walk into that wrestling room, it's full of teammates and coaches there to support you and help you practice and teach you. But when you get out on the mat and hear the snap of your headgear it's all you. You have to trust your training and quick thinking and implement everything you've learned, no help. I have played a lot of sports before, and most of them were team sports, so this was new to me. I loved the chance to try my hardest just myself and have the outcome lie solely on me. I couldn't blame anyone else and I didn't have to coordinate with anyone else. Just me and my body in tune, trying to get the pin every time. Being dedicated also means pushing yourself. In every match, you have to push your body to its limits, stretch your shoulders and neck as far as you can, and use all the strength you have left in your arms to break down your opponent. In order to do that you have to show up to practice, condidnting, and everything else and give your all. If you don't put in the work in practice, it won't show on the mat. Every day counts because every day I learn something new, and every day I am getting a little bit better. This dedication shows up on the mat. If you are going for a blast double, you have to commit to the blast double and follow through all the way, if you stop in the middle it won't work and you'll probably get sprawled on. If you are dedicated at practice and dedicated to your sport, this will show on the mat.
Wicked Fan Scholarship
Open my Apple Music, and the first thing that pops up will be two playlists: “Kristen” and “Idina.” These powerhouses of talent are the stars of my all-time favorite musical—and honestly, they make it come alive in ways that are simply unforgettable. Let’s talk about “Wicked.” It’s not just a musical; it’s a captivating backstory to one of the greatest movies ever made. I’ve always had a soft spot for backstories, prequels, and fan fiction—and “Wicked” is undoubtedly the crown jewel of fan narratives. It adds so much depth and color to the world we already love. What really gets me is the music. The songs are anthems of empowerment, reminding us to stay true to ourselves. With themes of defying stereotypes, forging meaningful friendships, and chasing after dreams, “Wicked” covers all the bases. There isn’t a message it shies away from, which is a testament to its brilliance. As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the groundbreaking technology and the stunning costumes that elevate the experience. I mean, Glinda’s entrance in that dazzling pink dress descending in a bubble? Talk about a show-stopping moment! And when Elphaba rises above the audience and belts out that C#5, it’s an emotional crescendo that leaves you breathless. Playing Elphaba is no small feat—it’s no wonder the role found its way to the Queen of Broadway, Idina Menzel. But the best part? The “Wicked” community. My Instagram feed is a treasure trove of “Wicked” content: Glindas sharing their warm-ups, backup Elphabas dishing on the must-have green nails, and the shared love for this magical tale that brings us all together. It’s a world where fandom thrives and creativity knows no bounds!
Creative Expression Scholarship
Janie Mae "Loving You to Wholeness" Scholarship
My name is Audrey Haile and I am 17. Living in Bethesda, MD, we have a reputation of being a bubble of upper class and white. From a young age I have acknowledged this as important to try to remedy through learning about other cultures and helping others through community service. Living so close to DC, I have had excellent opportunities to help those who are less fortunate and see how the government can do this as well. This gives me hope that big changes can happen. One place I get to do this is at my church. Every year we go on SCAP- St. Columba's Appalachian project. This is a week-long trip where youth and adult volunteers drive out to West Virginia to the town of Phillippi and spend the week helping to rebuild and repair homes through heart and hand. In order yo afford this trip, we spend weeks mixing and baking St. Columba's famous shortbread and selling it to members of the community. I volunteer for over 30 hours a year just for the fundraising part. Over the years I have placed cabinets, insulated a kitchen, built a ramp, tarpapered a roof, spread gravel, repaired a rotting hole in the floor, and even built an entire extra room in one house. This trip has given me a unique experience that I would not be able to get anywhere else. I have gotten to be a part of a totally different community and make a huge impact on families' lives. On my last SCAP, I met a seven-year-old named Zoey who lived in the home we were repairing. Everyday, she was excited to see us and always wanted to help hammer in a nail or carry 2x4s from one side of the site to the other. On Thursday, during a dollar store run, I found a small doll that looked just like her. Everyone made her a card and signed it and we gave it to her on Friday. At the end of the week, she didn't want us to leave and even started crying. This made me realize how special you could be to someone and how amazing it was that I got to come here and help Zoey. When we are walking around town in our heart and hand t-shirts, people recognize us and thank us for coming out every year to help out. It has been such an amazing experience and I hope I get to return, even when I am in college.
Student Life Photography Scholarship
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
My experience with mental health has shaped my whole life by helping me to understand myself more and what I want out of life. My experience with mental health has been long and varied. When I was 6 I was diagnosed with anxiety and saw a therapist for a few months, but I didn't like it so I stopped going. During the therapy, I didn't think I was learning or improving, but years later, I realized how valuable that early introspection was. I learned about my brain (in simple 6-year-old terms), how to talk about what I was feeling, and how to regulate my emotions. These were skills that I would unconsciously and consciously draw on in the years to come. This anxiety shaped my childhood years. While it gave me an almost unhealthy obsession with being prepared, years later I am skilled at planning, packing for trips, researching, and making lists. All skills I learned thanks to my anxiety. During COVID, I started to develop depression. I didn't recognize it at first, so it took me a couple of years to start seeing a professional. On my own before that, while I tried to manage my sadness by myself I gained a deeper understanding of my feelings and priorities. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do in the future and what kinds of relationships I wanted to have. The introspection I did on my own and in therapy shaped my priority in a relationship- not sacrificing any of what I like about myself to make someone else happy. This has made me more confident in who I am. The summer before 11th grade brought back my anxiety. This time I was prepared and worked on it in therapy. My anxiety has helped me achieve the right balance of being cautious and adventurous. Without my anxiety, I would jump into anything without thinking. Above all, my experience with mental health has taught me not to judge or make assumptions. You never know everything about someone, and everyone is struggling with something. My experiences with mental health are also a big factor in my wanting to pursue psychology in the future and possibly be a social worker.
1989 (Taylor's Version) Fan Scholarship
If 2024 had a soundtrack, Welcome to New York would be the star song on it. The most meaningful parts to me are the second and third lines. "Everybody here wanted somethin' more Searchin' for a sound we hadn't heard before" To me, it is about looking for where you are meant to be, a feeling you've never felt. As I have started my college and career search this year, that is what I feel like every day. I am searching for the place and major that is going to make me feel that more. In the song Taylor finds New York and immediately feels at peace. Everything is all right now because you have found the things you have been waiting for. You are the missing puzzle piece to it and it is the missing puzzle piece in your life. When you first found this place you thought you had to change by pushing aside your broken heart but after a while, you feel more comfortable and you heal. I always have to stop and center myself and see, is this really something you want to do or just something you think you should do? This is about you and you need to be in touch with yourself. The lights and all the distractions and obstacles are distracting to lots of people but they don't stop me. I am going to rock this college thing and I am going to get a great start to my adult life. Sometimes it is crazy and your mind is always changing which makes it super hard but this is going to be the best time of your life. In addition to connecting the lyrics to my college and career search, I also have a connection to New York so the song is this year on two different levels. I got to go to New York with my church youth group and I learned so much. Connecting Christ with this huge city was a life-changing experience for me and changed how I see the world. I also made so many new friends as we wandered the city and got lost on the subway and bus not once, not twice, but four times within 48 hours. It was amazing to be in The City That Never Sleeps while getting close to my friends and God. And of course, we sang Welcome to New York in Times Square.
Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship
My ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations would be a vibrant tapestry of diverse voices, genres, and perspectives that have captivated readers and sparked conversations across social media platforms. From thought-provoking contemporary fiction to gripping thrillers and insightful memoirs, these titles represent the best of what #BookTok has to offer. At the center of my bookshelf would be "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller, a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus. This sweeping epic of love, friendship, and heroism has garnered widespread acclaim on #BookTok for its lyrical prose, compelling characters, and poignant exploration of themes such as fate, identity, and the human condition. Through its powerful storytelling and resonant themes, "The Song of Achilles" has captured the hearts of readers around the world, inspiring countless discussions and fan theories on #BookTok. Next to it would be "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, the first installment in a bestselling fantasy series that has taken #BookTok by storm. With its lush world-building, intricate plot twists, and swoon-worthy romance, this novel has become a beloved favorite among young adult readers. Its strong, independent heroine and richly imagined universe have sparked passionate debates and fan theories, making it a must-have for any #BookTok enthusiast. Another essential title on my #BookTok-inspired bookshelf would be "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This captivating novel follows the glamorous and enigmatic Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her tumultuous life and loves to a young journalist. Through Evelyn's captivating narrative voice and the author's skillful storytelling, readers are transported to the golden age of Hollywood and immersed in a tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" has resonated deeply with #BookTok readers, sparking discussions about love, identity, and the price of fame. Alongside these must-have titles, my #BookTok-inspired bookshelf would feature a diverse array of contemporary reads, including "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab, "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid, and "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. These novels have all garnered widespread acclaim on #BookTok for their compelling narratives, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes. In addition to fiction, my ideal bookshelf would also include a selection of nonfiction titles that have made waves on #BookTok, such as "Educated" by Tara Westover, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck" by Mark Manson, and "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle. These books offer readers valuable insights into topics such as resilience, personal growth, and self-discovery, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring readers to reflect on their own lives. Overall, my #BookTok-inspired bookshelf would be a curated collection of titles that reflect the diverse interests, tastes, and perspectives of the #BookTok community. From bestselling novels to thought-provoking nonfiction, these books have captured the imagination of readers worldwide, fostering a vibrant online community centered around a shared love of reading and storytelling.
River City Ringers of Omaha Scholarship
For as long as I can remember, Wednesday has been my favorite day. I mean, it's hump day of course! But it's also the day I get to go to choir. I have been singing at St. Columba's Episcopal Church in DC since I was 5. The promise of music and cookies at the end kept me coming back, but there was something else too- bells. I had always admired the bell ringers. They were confident, on the beat, and deidicated. I remember the day I joined Bells in vivid detail. It was the first rehearsal of the season, a warm September day. I had just gotten out of Choir and was walking out to find my dad when something caught my eye- the bell room! I wanted so desperately to be a part of that group, to ring the big shiny gold bells and the long silver chimes, to talk and laugh over binders filled with sheet music; but my 9-year-old self couldn't muster up the courage to ask if I could join. Glancing at the door, I slowly walked over to the water fountain and took a long drink. I looked up again and walked over to the door and peered through it. Nope. I went back to the water fountain and took another, long, slow drink. I turned back around, and standing there was Henry Beale. The man who would become my mentor, friend, and advocate. He asked, “Would you like to join bells?” A smile broke out across my face and I nodded excitedly. I followed him into the bell room and glanced up at all the ringers, excited to finally be in this haven of music. 8 years later, as I enter that same bell room, that sense of belonging washes over me. This is where I am in my element. I have grown so much from that first day. I have been through 2 music directors, dozens of ringers, and hundreds of songs. From ringing the A6 once at the end of a piece to leading the entire handbell choir, this is where I learned to be confident, bold, and most of all, how to love something with my whole heart. Now, seeing my younger sister and all the elementary school ringers grow up in the same way pulls at my heart every day. I am so unbelievably proud of how far I have come, and how far they have come. COVID was hard, we practiced outside, standing six feet apart in masks and gloves, but we hit the ground running when we came back. I will never forget what Bells has taught me, and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure this program lives on to inspire future generations of young musicians and keep this shrinking art form alive. With my choir friend of 12 years- Amelia Menefee by my side, I can conquer anything. My favorite piece to play is Flower Power composed by Carolyn Hoff- a graduate of the Genesis Ringers at St. Columba’s. It is tradition to play this song every May. The star of the piece is a repeating melody line consisting of 3 chimes, all rung by the same ringer. I remember watching Lucas Dixon playing the chimes part and looking up at him with awe. Now I have had the honor of playing that part twice, and to this day the feeling I got after completing it is one of the best things ever. Even though my fingers may be blistered, the smile on my face is more than worth it.
Audrey Haile Student Profile | Bold.org