As Brian and Jessica Schleicher watch their daughter, Hailey, navigate her senior year at Sun Valley High, they find themselves filled with emotions—excitement, pride and a touch of nostalgia. It is the culmination of a story that began 13 years ago when Hailey, then just five years old, stepped into her first day of kindergarten as a student in a new Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Sun Valley Elementary (now Shiloh Valley Primary/Elementary). Every year has felt like a first for her and them. Since then, the Schleicher family has watched Hailey and her close-knit group of friends—seven core students with her since the beginning—grow and thrive in ways they could only have dreamed of.

As part of DLI, Hailey learned Spanish from teachers from Colombia, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries. Her language skills were put to use early. At just eight years old, she accompanied her father on church mission trips to remote areas of Mexico, where she served as a translator. This experience gave her a global perspective. For Brian and Jessica, the program has shaped their daughter into the compassionate, independent and resourceful young woman she is today.

"It’s been incredible to see how much it has shaped her language skills and worldview. We wanted her to have a broader world perspective and the program has given her exactly that," Brian said.

Now, as Hailey prepares to graduate, the Schleichers are doing their best to balance the excitement of this milestone with the responsibilities of preparing for the future. Senior year brings memorable moments—senior pictures, prom, college applications and acceptance letters. Each milestone brings its own set of emotions.

"When I saw Hailey’s senior pictures with her in her cap and gown, I couldn’t help but cry," Jessica admitted. "It hit me just how much she’s grown and how close we are to the next chapter of her life."

Yet, amidst the joy and anticipation, there is also a sense of finality. The Schleichers have spent years building relationships with the other families in the DLI program. The bonds formed over shared experiences have created a community that feels like an extended family.

"It’s not just Hailey who’s close with her friends—we’ve all become close with their families too," Brian said. "We’re going to miss that sense of community once Hailey graduates. Hopefully, we’ll all stay in touch."

One of the highlights of Hailey's high school experience for her parents has been seeing her grow in compassion and empathy, values nurtured at home and within her school community. Last year, Hailey took it upon herself to help an exchange student struggling to adjust to life in a new country. What started as a simple act of kindness became much more when the student eventually came to live with the Schleicher family.

"It wasn’t planned, but it ended up being such a blessing for all of us," Brian reflected. "Hailey’s compassion is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it’s a credit to the environment she’s been in."

As Hailey looks ahead to college—her top choices include the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wilmington—Brian and Jessica are focused on helping her prepare for the next stage of her life. They have found that seeking advice from school counselors and other parents has been invaluable in navigating the many decisions that come with senior year.

"The more we know, the better we can help Hailey," Brian explained. "It’s important for us to have a plan to set her up for success."

Jessica offers some advice for parents starting their children's high school years.

"Encourage them to try different classes and explore new interests. Hailey didn’t know what she wanted to do after high school, but getting involved in science classes sparked her interest in biology. It’s okay if they don’t have it all figured out."

As for Hailey, her parents are confident that she will tackle whatever challenges come her way.

"Any challenge she’s ever come across, she tackles head-on," Jessica said. "We know she’ll be successful wherever she goes."

As the Schleicher family prepares for the next chapter, they are also taking the time to cherish the present. They know these last few months of Hailey’s high school career are precious, filled with moments that will soon be memories. Their advice to Hailey and any student in their last year of high school is simple: "Be involved in things that pique your interest, and take your time to figure out what path you want to take. Enjoy it, and be in the moment. These years go by fast, but they’re also some of the most meaningful."

For the Schleichers, Hailey’s senior year is not just the end of an era—it is the beginning of a new adventure, one that they are eager to embrace as a family.

09/06/2024