by Mica Hart
Hayden was described as an intense and “determined gentlemen” by junior DC Miller. Those who know him will definitely agree with him and with River Manley that “when he puts his mind to something,” he will get it done, the best that it can be done.
This intensity is what dictates most of his life, whether it is sports, his interaction with nature, school, or his relationship with those around him. He tends not to be passive, and aims to do whatever he can to make the world a better place. For Hayden all interactions, events, and activities must have purpose, intention, and positive impact, or there are better things to be done.
This approach to life has led to success for him in many different ways, one being his social life. Anyone could infer that he is a caring and compassionate person when they interact with anyone around him. Even for those who do not know him well, like freshman and sophomore Ella Skoloda and Maryjane Cervone, they see him as a kind person “who gets along with everyone.” His friends attest to him being “dependable, considerate,” and someone who will “go out of his way to help” those in need. One of his favorite memories of high school involves way too many people, mostly his close friends, crowded onto a hallway couch laughing during passing periods.
Hayden also strives to succeed in the sporting world. Every year he strings the competitive golf, cross country, basketball, and sometimes track seasons together back to back. His competitiveness drives him to do his best in these sports, and his results show that. He has competed at state six times between basketball, golf, and cross country. He received the award for MVP in basketball last year and has received awards for maintaining a 4.00 GPA throughout playing three different sports each year. He anticipates being valedictorian at the end of this year.
He’s also an athlete for fun outside of school. Running, hiking, and skiing in Ouray’s mountains are his go-to “stress relievers.”
Enjoying the outdoors is his favorite way to connect with people, and he credits his parents, Jenny and Sean Hart, with teaching him this. Hayden also appreciates the support and freedom they have provided that allow him to explore his passions.
My life, as his sibling, is better in countless ways because of him. Hayden’s kindness has been a stabilizing force for me when I am lost at sea. His endless eagerness to discover and learn more has led to many long and heated debates on philosophy and important social issues. I have been inspired by his endless drive to push harder and discover more.
Through all of the things that he does, he endeavors to improve the world. He improves himself, cares about those around him, and thinks deeply about what happens around him in order to understand. He is bound for success when he attends Colorado School of Mines in the fall.