Mount Markham Class of 2021 student Hayleigh Gates was named Youth of the Month for December by the Mount Markham Optimist Club. She played soccer, basketball and track and was a member of the FFA Club, National Honor Society and Envirothon team. She was also Senior class treasurer. Hayleigh won numerous recognitions for her athletic achievements. She will be attending Paul Smith’s College to become a forest ranger. Hayleigh chose physical education teacher Courtney Moore as her favorite teacher, saying Mrs. Moore was a model of an exceptional teacher and best friend and is a caring, kind person. Hayleigh is the daughter of Steven and Jennifer Gates.