Josh Atherton, Longmont Rotarian, opened the program by asking Dr. Al Carr to provide a brief reflection on the life of Dr. James (Slick) Haley. This annual award is given to students who have faced difficult challenges during their school years but met those adversities with determination and ultimate success. We congratulate and celebrate those students. In attendance today were Dr. Haley's grandson, Seth Haley. Our winners came from the four high schools in Longmont. |
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Photos: Top Left: Alizee Macias Soto, Silver Creek High School. Top Right: Jose Cano Hinojos, Skyline High School
Bottom Left: Jessayla Stiffler, New Meridian High School. Bottom Right: Sofia Valle Gonzales, Longmont High School
Who was Slick Haley?
For Dr. Carr, “James (Slick) Haley was a role model for me growing up in Longmont. He was the complete physician!” Slick was raised in Paonia, Colorado, attending CU for undergraduate studies. While at CU he became known as the Paonia Peach, for his athletic prowess, lettering in four varsity sports, and earning 12+ letters. After college, he pursued a short career coaching high school athletics, however, he decided like his father to become a doctor. After graduating from medical school, he started a medical practice in Longmont, met his wife Maxine Johnson, and joined the Rotary Club. During WW II Slick served three years as an Army surgeon in New Caledonia, Okinawa, and Korea. Slick helped form the 29th General Hospital (a 1000-bed field hospital in New Caledonia, the main receiving hospital for the Pacific Island battles). The nickname, Slick was earned during his military service, becoming quite an accomplished surgeon, performing surgeries for a very large Mash-like hospital quickly and effectively. After the war, Slick was the first surgeon in Longmont, active in his Rotary club, also serving in the local Boy Scout troop. Slick loved to serve and he enjoyed helping youth to be successful. Dr. Carr concluded his remarks by informing the students ..".Today you are receiving this award in the name of a truly outstanding individual, Rotarian, surgeon- truly a person for all seasons”.