Fruitland teen gives back to the community through service

FRUITLAND — Haily Shigeta’s passion for cheerleading goes beyond cheering on the sidelines at football and basketball games at Fruitland High School. She was introduced to the power of volunteering through her coach Tanya Ward, which led to more than 140 community service hours in two years and a $2,000 scholarship.

“Her passion for volunteering comes from her larger than life heart,” Ward said. “I have never met a teenager so genuinely kind, thoughtful and unselfish as Haily. She always puts everyone’s needs before her own.”

Haily volunteers every week visiting with patients at Heart ‘n Home Hospice and Palliative Care, organizes blood drives at school and is a teen mentor at a science camp.

“I have learned the more you’re involved in the community, the more perspective you will have on life,” said the Fruitland High junior. “Living in Fruitland has shown me what a community can do to help people.”

When Haily isn’t volunteering, she captains the varsity cheerleading team, partcipates in Future Farmers of America competitions, competes for the Fruitland High track and soccer teams, helps with community theater productions and maintains a 4.0 grade-point average. Haily recently received the Idaho High School Activities Association Interscholastic Star Student Recognition Award and $2,000 college scholarship.

Haily Shigeta, at left, volunteers at a blood drive with her Fruitland High School classmates.

She was nominated by her principal and one of five high school juniors from around the state to earn the honor.

“What stands out about Haily is her zest for life,” Ward said. “She is a competitor; athletically, academically and civically. Yet, she is so willing to share her talents and competitive drive to help others be their best and to shine.”

Haily wants to study business or medicine at UCLA or the University of California, Berkeley. Her dream job is to be an oncologist.

“I want to help people and change lives,” Haily said. “I wouldn’t be content not doing anything in the community, I’m driven by helping others.”

Fun facts about Haily Shigeta

Favorite drink? Water

Favorite sport to watch? Gymnastics

What are the first three songs on your current music playlist? “Tear in my Heart” by 21 Pilots, “Sometimes” by Ariana Grande and “Until the End of Time” by Tupac