HIGH POINT, N.C. — Sarah Haynes spent much of her time at the Joel Farlow Center at Wesleyan Christian Academy, inspiring her students and encouraging them to believe in themselves.
Haynes started teaching middle and high school chorus and drama at Wesleyan Christian Academy in 2016. She has always had a love and talent for music. The 34-year-old has produced musicals, directed productions, and inspired every student she has met.
Kyle Auman is the band director at Wesleyan Christian Academy. He worked closely with Haynes and developed an unbreakable bond with her husband and two children.
"She was funny. Oh my goodness gracious, we had so many laughs and energy," explained Auman. "She exudes what a good teacher should be for her students, and she loved them, and they loved her."
Haynes was diagnosed with breast cancer in December. Auman says the community took the news hard, but everyone stood behind Haynes. Many were inspired by her strength and courage. She lost her long, hard-fought battle with the disease earlier this month.
"We're heartbroken, and emotions come in waves, and there have been a lot of tears. There will be more tears, but we just go day by day, and then you walk in the room, you walk in, I pull in the parking lot, and know she's not here. It's really tough. "
Auman said the cancer diagnosis didn't define Haynes. Those who knew her will remember the person she was before.
"What's going to define her to the school and her lasting legacy is going to be her kindness, her love for her students. Just the epitome of an outstanding teacher, her encouraging and just how she believed in everybody. She loved well and she loved everybody."
This WCA track team did a floating lantern release Thursday in honor of Haynes. The student athletes said that it was very healing, and they loved being able to release the lanterns as an act of letting go, and saying goodbye.
Katie Page explained, "Each of the athletes wrote a note to Mrs. Haynes on the lantern expressing the impact she had in their lives. We gathered together, and I read poems before we released the lanterns. It was incredibly special and moving."
PHOTOS: Remembering Sarah Haynes
Haynes leaves behind her husband, David, 3-year-old son Daniel, and 1-year-old daughter Anna.
Wesleyan Christian Academy will hold a celebration of life service on Monday afternoon. The school will be closed.