Queen of Spirit: Haley Sandstrom

Amy Parr | Head Editor

January 28, 2022

Haley Sandstrom is hard to miss at San Clemente High School. With her infectious laughs during class and her unforgettable screams at football games, Haley is not one to go unnoticed. As a member of Loud Crowd, Link Crew, and lacrosse, Haley is extremely involved at our school and loves being an active member of the community.

“I feel connected to our school because over the years I have been able to create such amazing friendships and bonds with teachers,” Sandstrom said. “The culture at San Clemente High School brings people together like no other. I don’t know if I am quite ready to let this school go yet, but all I know is that I am forever grateful for every teacher, table group, friend, team, and staff member that has come across my path at SCHS as it has shaped me into who I am today.” 

Among these influential groups in Haley’s life is her lacrosse team. She has played since sophomore year, and although it was hard for her to learn a completely new sport, Haley quickly found her place on the team. 

“Haley is such a supportive teammate and is always the first one to hype you up,” fellow lacrosse player Teresa Yubeta said. “Nothing cheers the team up like Haley cracking jokes while our coach is mad at us. She is a comedic genius and knows how to make everyone around her laugh.” 

When she’s not grinding away on the lacrosse field, Haley can be found with her “ASFamily,” as she puts it, working on different projects and activities to create a welcoming environment at our school. As Commissioner of Loud Crowd, Haley quickly became an icon in the senior class as an enthusiastic presence on the sidelines, hyping up the crowd during nail-biting football games. 

“Haley was constantly animated and full of high energy, and she always dressed up in the most fire fits,” senior Cora LaFollette said. “What I loved most is that she had no issues screaming at the crowd to hype us up and get louder. She was so confident and fearless in her role.”

Haley will not soon be forgotten for her dedication to our school. After four tumultuous years, Haley can’t believe that her time at San Clemente is about to come to an end. Although this goodbye is sure to be difficult, Haley’s future appears just as bright as our Friday Night Lights. 

“I’m interested in studying environmental science at Washington or Oregon and I hope to eventually get my masters after college and maybe work for National Geographic and travel the world,” Haley said. “I want to study all types of environments to make a change in the world and help make a difference with climate change.”

Whether she’s screaming on the sidelines or trying to change the world, Haley never fails to make an impact on those around her. Anyone who has the good luck to run across her will undoubtedly walk away feeling better than they did before.  

“Most people cannot consistently put a smile on your face or make you laugh until you’re in tears, but the special thing about Haley is that her joy is contagious,” Yubeta said. “She understands people and can connect with anyone, whether she knows them or not. Her heart is always focused on the people around her and she would drop anything to help out a friend.”

Haley’s kindness for those around her is matched only by her enthusiasm for San Clemente and life in general. Haley tries to make the most of everyday, because, as she so wisely stated, “you are more than a grade. Do your best no matter what, but realize you can still get involved around academics and have fun. Get involved and, as cliché as it is, be yourself and express your creativity. You only go through these four years of your life once and you won’t get this time back, so go to those events, games, dances, and activities and make memories that will last a lifetime.”