Written by Connor Simmons

In the heart of the West Memphis/Marion area, a young man named Coby Hayes is making waves with his academic achievements and dedication to community service. As a high school senior, Coby has not only excelled in his studies but also taken significant strides to empower his peers. This feature highlights his journey, the challenges he has overcome, and the initiatives he has started to uplift the youth in his community.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in West Memphis, Coby Hayes experienced a childhood that he describes as "pretty typical." He attended LR Jackson Elementary, where his mother was a teacher, and enjoyed playing outside and participating in sports. Despite the underfunded nature of his school, Coby found that the support he received from his teachers was instrumental in his early academic success.

"I started going to second-grade classes for reading when I was in kindergarten," Coby recalls. "Although my school was underfunded, they definitely put the support in me. They made sure there were opportunities for me to continue advancing."

This early encouragement set the stage for Coby's academic journey. By the time he transitioned to first grade, he was already attending third-grade classes, effectively skipping a grade. This accelerated path came with its own set of pressures, but it also instilled in Coby a drive to excel.

Academic Achievements

Coby graduated high school with an impressive GPA of 4.34. He attributes his success to a combination of taking advantage of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and mastering time management. "I made sure to balance my academics with a social life and community activities," he explains. "Initially, I struggled with wanting to be the highest-performing person in every class, but I later found out it's all about balance."

Despite his academic prowess, Coby faced setbacks in his college application process. He was initially rejected from Stanford, his top choice for early admission. "It was a big confidence hit, but it also instilled a drive in me," he says. "My entire winter break was spent cleaning up my college application, rewriting essays, and getting new letters of recommendation."

This perseverance paid off, as Coby's regular decision applications yielded positive results. He was accepted into Harvard, where he plans to pursue a degree with the goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer.

Empowering the Community

Coby's journey is not just about personal success; it's also about giving back. He and his friend Jace started a program called Delta Redefine to help other students navigate the college application process. "We know how hard it was for us and how much we had to seek out outside resources," Coby explains. "We wanted to be a help to anyone who wanted to accomplish similar things."

Through Delta Redefine, Coby and Jace aim to increase college matriculation rates in their area by providing guidance on applications, scholarships, and financial wellness. "We want kids from this area to see that there are more options for them," Coby says. "You aren't confined to Arkansas if you don't want to be. There are financially supportive options to explore."

Overcoming Challenges

Coby's journey has not been without its challenges. From dealing with the pressures of academic expectations to facing rejections from top schools, he has had to navigate a complex path. However, his ability to persevere and adapt has been a key factor in his success.

"Be your own best advocate," Coby advises other students. "Sometimes there isn't going to be someone to hold your hand through it all. You have to find your own way and make the best of your resources."

Support System

Coby credits much of his success to the support he received from his teachers and counselors. "If I didn't have teachers like Ms. Riewick, Ms. McFarland, or Ms. Thompson, I could have easily given up at any point," he says. "My counselor, Mrs. Harris, was also instrumental in helping me navigate the college application process."

He also acknowledges the role of his faith in his journey. "God brought me this far, and I had to trust the process," Coby says. "The journey was one of faith, and I am extremely thankful for the support I received."

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Coby is focused on his undergraduate studies at Harvard, with the ultimate goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer. "I want to graduate with a high GPA to maximize my chances for law school," he says. "Right now, I'm centering my undergrad experience around preparing for law school."

Coby Hayes' story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-advocacy, and community support. His journey from a typical childhood in West Memphis to the halls of Harvard University serves as an inspiration to other young people in his community and beyond.

"Every youth has the ability to reach their greatness," Coby says. "It's all about making the best of what you have and being your own best advocate."

As Coby continues his journey, he remains committed to empowering others and making a positive impact on his community. His story is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a little bit of faith.