Senior Spotlight time!

Help us celebrate our next PCHS Class of 2022 Senior Spotlight, Miss Hailey Ray!

Hailey is the daughter of Jesslyn and Cody Ray.

Hailey's favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela. "It always seems impossible until it's done." Hailey says, "This quote is simple yet impactful. It reminds you to keep going."

Hailey tells us, "In high school, I was involved in DECA and FCCLA for two years. I was the vice president of SADD this year before graduating at semester. I ran track for three years and played basketball for two. During freshman year my art was on display at a college and I was able to take a field trip down there and see it."

Advice for incoming freshmen: "My advice for incoming freshmen would be to not overwhelm yourself or make rash decisions. You have the rest of your life to figure out who you want to be and where you want to end up in life. It’s not mandatory to know right away."

Funniest memory at PCHS: "My funniest memories have to be anything that involves Mr. Mayer’s weights classes. During my sophomore year in co-ed weights, he used to bribe Jesslyn Knowles and I with pieces of candy so we would actually exercise and not have our grades lowered for not dressing out. Also, only a few months after getting my license, I accidentally ran over Jaden Wyant’s cornhole board in the High School parking lot. We weren’t friends for a little while, but now we’re going to prom together and I find that hilarious."

We asked Hailey what teacher had the biggest impact on her at Putnam. She told us, "Mrs. Fleshman has, and will always have had, the biggest impact on me. Regardless of her being a counselor, she is the most understanding and encouraging person I know. Sometimes I used to go sit in her room and just talk to her during my free hours if I had nothing to do."

Favorite class: "I loved every English class that I took, whether it was with Miss Errante or Mrs. Owings. They were both fantastic and engaging teachers, and it helped that it was my favorite subject."

Most memorable moment: "My most memorable moment at Putnam was being able to officially walk out of the doors in December because I pushed myself so hard throughout high school. I felt like my work finally paid off."

Hailey's plans after graduation: "I graduated at semester and it was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done. I jumped into online college classes and continued waitressing at my place of work. I will be moving to Columbia, MO in the latter half of this summer and continuing classes at MACC. I will then be transferred to Mizzou to finish my business degree. In 5-10 years I plan on already having my real estate license and choosing which state I would like to start my real estate business in."

Congratulations, Hailey! We are #PutnamProud of you!