By Caitlyn Russell
One Sunday at her uncle’s church, 5-year-old Haley Bradford sat in the front row of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Miss., dressed up with her hair combed and barrettes on her pigtails. The choir sang “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” by Andraé Crouch. This then became her favorite song. Every time Bradford visited church, she was asked to sing. All around the house, her mother heard her singing the song. From that moment on, Bradford knew music would be an important part of her life.
As she got older, Bradford felt like music was her safe place. Even when she struggled with mental-health issues, she turned to singing. At one point in time, she felt like giving up on school and dropping out because she knew somebody who was living well but hadn’t finished school. She then realized that everybody doesn’t have the same outcome and decided to be more involved in school. At Murrah High School in Jackson, Miss., she has played basketball and now plays volleyball and is involved in the student council. She has also received six full-ride scholarship offers, with another partial scholarship from William Carey University.
During her years in music, Bradford received several achievements and awards, like making and remaining on the all-state choir for three-plus years, and also fared well on a Disney performance that helped her team achieve all-superior ratings. She plans to attend college to receive a bachelor’s degree in music. She wants to be a vocal coach and open her own music studio when she graduates in order to allow other people to learn how to sing.
Bradford has enjoyed the support of a supportive family. Born and raised in a close-knit community, her parents always emphasized the importance of hard work and education.
Her childhood was filled with a variety of activities, but sports quickly became her passion. She excelled in volleyball and basketball, often the standout player on her teams. Her father, who had played college basketball, was her first coach and biggest supporter. He would often say, “Always give 110% on and off the court. Your effort defines your success.” This advice became a guiding principle in her life.
In addition to her athletic prowess, she is also a stellar student. She has an insatiable curiosity and a love for learning that her mother, a high school teacher, nurtured in her. Her mother would spend hours helping her with her homework and encouraging her to explore new subjects. “My mom taught me that education is the key to unlocking the world. She showed me that knowledge is power,” Bradford says. This belief drove her to excel academically, consistently earning top grades and accolades throughout her school years.
Balancing sports and academics is not always easy, but she manages it with discipline and time management. Her days are filled with early morning practices, school and late-night study sessions. “Success is not about luck; it’s about hard work and determination. You have to be willing to put in the effort to achieve your dreams,” Bradford says.
Bradford’s natural vocal talent also led her to perform outside school at community gatherings. She finds joy in expressing herself through music, saying, “Singing allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s a way to share my emotions and bring people together.”
Reflecting on her journey, she expresses gratitude for her parents’ influence. “My parents taught me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. They showed me the importance of balancing my passions and never giving up on my dreams,” she says.
Click here to read more about Caitlyn Russell, who wrote this piece about fellow Youth Media Project student journalist Haley Bradford.
