NCPBA Scholarship Recipient Hailey Klingenschmidt

Mar 25, 2026

By Cindy Baugher

Working, volunteering her time with Habitat for Humanity, and playing soccer for Pinecrest High School kept Hailey Klingenschmidt busy during her high school years. Still, she was able to maintain straight A's, even with five rigorous AP courses and six dual enrollment classes in the mix. Now, as a freshman at UNC Charlotte, she is drafting a promising future in her college years and beyond.

Hailey and her family at her high school graduation.

The Pinehurst, North Carolina native is grateful for her smalltown upbringing. She said, "I had a wonderful childhood growing up in Pinehurst. Pinehurst is a small, quaint, golfing community. I grew up with the same group of kids and really got to know them over the course of my childhood. When we made it to our senior year of high school, it was amazing to see everyone come together, enjoy, and live out the rest of that senior year experience. I had a great childhood and hope to carry that same magic into my adulthood."

Hailey's mom is a teacher at the local high school, and her father is with North Carolina's ALE, Alcohol Law Enforcement. She also has two younger brothers, Logan and James. She treasures her family and the memories they have made over the years. "My family has pushed me to be the best version of myself," she said. "My parents have been the greatest influences in my life. They have taught me right from wrong, how to do things, and have helped me grow into the person I am today."

Hailey and her brothers taking a family photo at the beach.

Even with all her soccer, school, and volunteer commitments, Hailey found time to work two jobs during high school: providing childcare in the nursery at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and hosting at a local fine-dining restaurant. Living in Pinehurst, she even worked a stint at the U.S. Open golf tournament where she greeted and counted spectators utilizing the shuttles. In her rare spare time in high school, she also enjoyed creating art, especially after taking an art class where she really ramped up her talent.

Now, as she ponders her career choices after college, Hailey says she thinks she would like to have a career in the field of architecture. "I am considering positions such as interior design and residential floorplan design," she said. Her interest in this field piqued when she took several drafting classes in high school and competed in the state level of architectural drafting for SkillsUSA. Though she has not declared her major just yet, she said, "I loved my drafting experience in high school and would like to continue on that path by pursuing a degree in architecture."

Hailey and her friend help reinforce the roof in a Habitat for Humanity build.

UNC Charlotte was Hailey's pick for college because "it was a larger school with a small-town feel. It felt like home."

Hailey enjoys reading, painting, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Another way she likes to wind down is watching the show Once Upon a Time. As a fan of fairy tales in her childhood, she appreciates the message of the TV show: everyone deserves a happy ending.

Hailey's father, Mike Klingenschmidt, has been in law enforcement for 21 years, serving all those years with NC ALE. He became an officer by following in the footsteps of his father, who served for 30 years in law enforcement. Mike enjoys being able to serve his community and help the citizens of North Carolina. And thanks to his membership with PBA, Hailey was able to qualify for this scholarship. He has been a member of SSPBA for many years, saying it has been a positive experience. He "highly recommends" that his friends and colleagues become members.

Hailey and her Dad (PBA member) visiting St. Peter's Basilica.

Mike also points out that he is very thankful for the assistance of PBF's scholarship program and said, "I am extremely proud of Hailey and all that she has accomplished. I know she has an amazing future ahead of her."