May, 2021
Each month we recognize an AmeriCorps member serving in Utah for going above and beyond the pledge they took to “Get Things Done.” This month we are proud to recognize Haley McIntosh who just completed her fourth and final year of service with Playworks in the Canyons School District.
Playworks engages AmeriCorps members to serve in 75 low-income, at-risk elementary schools throughout Salt Lake County. These members create positive and inclusive school environments where every kid thrives both inside the classroom and out. Corps members teach social/emotional skills, get kids active and promote play as an integral tool for improving student outcomes. By leveraging the power of play to empower students to become productive learners, Playworks Corps Members are deepening student connections to the learning experience.
Playworks Utah program staff provided the following nomination recognizing Haley’s outstanding service:
Haley is an incredibly kind and dedicated person, and is someone who can always be relied upon to get things done – not only efficiently, but with a good hearted smile brightening the days of everyone around her, be it her school staff, cohort or students. She has consistently put her students first not just this year, but for the past four years. She often thinks outside the box in order to engage them in activities that they enjoy. If traditional playground games aren’t your thing, Haley has you covered with chalk art, dance parties, and bubble-mania. She has been the most consistent adult on the playground and continues to be caring and thoughtful to all.
Haley’s dedication extends far beyond her outlined service duties, and into the community she serves. She works intentionally with her school staff to ensure that she’s supporting school-based initiatives as a fixture in the building. Her closing accomplishment included seeing a coordinated cereal drive into action, which ended up providing cereal and other groceries for over 100 families over spring break when food trucks weren’t available.
Haley leads with empathy and isn’t scared to be vulnerable, and these traits allow her to build stellar relationships and authentic service outcomes.
“Being at the same school for three years – that’s what I’m going to miss the most. Seeing my kids grow up. I know their family stories. I know their weaknesses and what they need on a daily basis…I just love being a part of their lives and watching them grow.”
Haley McIntosh, AmeriCorps Member of the Month
We are so grateful for Haley’s years of service with AmeriCorps in Utah. We wish her the best as she continues to serve her community as an AmeriCorps Alum.
We extend our congratulations to Haley for being recognized as the UServeUtah AmeriCorps Member of the Month and thank her for her dedicated service to students and communities in Utah.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is your moment to take the path less traveled, to break the status quo, to stop talking about the problem and be the solution. Join AmeriCorps and you can mentor and tutor kids, rebuild a community after disaster, help veterans, or work with local communities to alleviate poverty. There are thousands of opportunities to choose from, find the one that fits you.