Van Deusen wins NCWorks Governor’s Young Adult Award
Greensboro – On Oct. 17, 2025, Josh Stein announced this year's winners of the Governor's NC Works Awards of Distinction.
Robbinsville's Haylee Van Deusen was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Adult Award, which is afforded to an individual who has overcome challenges to achieve success in their education and the workforce.
Van Deusen left home at 16. She quit school and began working at McDonald's, moving frequently just trying to survive – yet determined to create a better future for herself. She worked hard, got her driver’s license and bought a car. She later returned to school and received her high school equivalency from Tri-County Community College.
After completing high school, Van Deusen enrolled in a nurse’s aid certification program and began working as a CNA (Certified Nursing Aide) at Graham Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
In 2024, she joined the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program at N.C. Works. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a federal program that provides job seekers with training, education and support helping students find employment by connecting them with resources at local job centers.
While attending the nursing program at Tri-County Community College in 2024, she broke her leg in an accident and still managed to complete her coursework and clinicals. She was an inspiration to fellow nursing students who watched her maintain a GPA of 3.5 while juggling work and school. On May 9, 2025, Van Deusen became a registered nurse.
Today, Van Deusen is a registered nurse with Lifepoint Health at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. She serves as an inspiration to others who face adversity by demonstrating maturity, positivity and resilience.
“Receiving the Governor’s Award is such an honor," said Van Deusen. "I am extremely thankful to Tri-County Community College and the WIOA program for helping me achieve this award. Thank you to the teachers in my nursing program, for all your support along the way."