According to Edgecombe Early College High School Principal Matt Bristow-Smith, Hayes personifies the attributes of a servant leader committed to ensuring the success of each and every scholar.
"During the pandemic, she has demonstrated her innovative spirit by creating hybrid learning schedules, promoting her Self-Care Saturday initiative, and providing real-time interventions for scholars who need academic and emotional support," said Bristow-Smith.
"Mrs. Hayes ensured that all anticipated graduates in the Class of 2021 completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA, in early November, so that financial aid resources are available to every scholar going to college. She also worked with state leaders from MyFutureNC to provide improved supports for FAFSA completion across our entire state, including technical support of MyFutureNC's new FAFSA tracker," added Bristow-Smith.