Alumni Update: Hailey Kurella '20
Hailey Kurella ’20 turned a love of art nurtured at CDS into a career in graphic design. Now a Graphic Design Assistant at Galati Yacht Sales, she reflects on the creative experiences, meaningful relationships and lasting lessons that helped shape her journey from student to professional.
Hailey Kurella '20 discovered her love of the arts during her time at Carrollwood Day School, where opportunities to explore photography, painting and sculpting helped shape her creative interests. Beginning her CDS journey in seventh grade, she initially had to adjust to the IB curriculum but quickly found an environment that encouraged her to explore new ideas, develop her skills and grow as a student and artist.
“I had a great experience at CDS, coming in during 7th grade I was not use to the curriculum at first but I quickly adapted to the IB curriculum and found it to be very engaging and really allowed me to blossom into a young individual.”
Her art classes, particularly those with Mr. Firestone, left a lasting impression and helped lay the foundation for what would become a professional interest in graphic design. Just as meaningful were the relationships and experiences she gained through extracurricular activities, including being part of CDS's first competitive cheer team, serving as team captain her senior year and participating in traditions such as Senior Patriot Buddies.
After graduating from CDS, Hailey headed to the University of Tampa, initially interested in studying chemistry. However, after taking an art history class, she discovered UT’s art program and found herself drawn to graphic design. Changing her major proved to be the right fit. “Taking classes to fill the desired credits I needed proved to help guide me in the direction I was meant to go,” Hailey shared, reflecting on her experience at UT. Her coursework allowed her to explore different mediums in art while building practical skills that would eventually shape her career.
During the summer between her junior and senior years, Hailey gained valuable professional experience through a graphic design internship at FrankCrum Insurance. Working alongside the company's senior graphic designer, she was introduced to the corporate marketing world. As a full-time Graphic Design Intern, she helped create digital assets, including e-books, flyers, forms, marketing campaigns, advertisements, social media graphics and PowerPoint presentations.
That experience helped prepare her for her next opportunity. During her senior year at UT, Hailey applied for a position with Galati Yacht Sales, where she now works as a Graphic Design Assistant. Being part of a smaller team has given her the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, including email design, signage and other creative graphics.
Beyond her full-time role, Hailey continues to explore her creative interests. She takes on freelance opportunities such as custom paintings, logo designs, and other creative projects. She credits her CDS art classes with helping lay the foundation for her continued creative growth.
"Taking high-level art with Mr.Firestone allowed me to step into college-level art classes with ease,” she said.
Looking back, Hailey also recognizes how her CDS experience prepared her for the demands of college and the professional world. She credits the school's challenging academic environment with teaching her adaptability, organization and the ability to manage competing priorities, even in high-stress situations. Attending a smaller university also felt like a natural transition.
“CDS helped prepare me to speak one on one with professors,” she explained, noting that the communication skills she developed as a student continued to serve her well at UT and beyond.
Some of Hailey's most meaningful CDS experiences came through extracurricular activities and the relationships she built along the way. She valued the balance between the sciences and the arts, crediting Mrs. Sippy and Mr. Firestone for making both areas meaningful parts of her education. She also enjoyed the sense of community that came through CDS traditions, including collaborating with the Middle and Lower School cheer teams on their Homecoming halftime routine.
Among her favorite memories is an eighth-grade trip to Silicon Valley, where she and her classmates explored San Francisco and experienced new places together. Her years on the cheer team also hold a special place in her heart, particularly the opportunity to serve as team captain during her senior year. She enjoyed the experience so much that she returned after graduation to serve as an assistant coach.
Patriot Buddies remains another favorite CDS tradition. During her senior year, she was paired with Thea Rubinstein, and she enjoyed sharing special moments and milestones with her younger buddy. One memory stands out in particular. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the end of her senior year, CDS organized a driving tour to visit each senior and celebrate their graduation. “It was something that made us still have a special moment during such an uncertain time.”
Today, whether she’s designing for Galati Yacht Sales or pursuing freelance opportunities, Hailey continues to build on the creativity, communication skills, and adaptability she developed at CDS.
“I truly believe CDS set me up for success when transitioning to college and my freshman year felt like a breeze.”
Her journey is a reminder that the experiences students gain throughout their time at CDS can shape not only their next steps in education but also the paths they discover along the way.
Explore Hailey's graphic design portfolio and original artwork on her website at haileykurelladesigns.com.
We love sharing our alumni achievements with the CDS community. If you are a CDS Alumni and would like to share your accomplishments, please contact our Director of Development, Ashley Gerb at agerb@cdspatriots.org and let us know what you have been up to since leaving CDS. We look forward to hearing from you!