Everybody in the community benefits from getting together for healthy activities, he said, and Staley sees a particular need for opportunities for teenagers and young people. His first local event, Saturday Night Live, offered activities for youths. In addition to planning special events, he reaches out to young people in his daily work.

“I love substitute teaching,” Staley said. “I try to be a good male role model. When I walk into a school, the students meet me at the door. They light up. I especially love substituting, because I get to meet more than one set of students, so I get to connect with almost every student in the school. That gives me more chance to make positive difference in their lives.”

Staley attributes his own inspiration to the loving example set by his own family, including his uncles and aunts. His own neighborhood is filled with people who genuinely care about each other.

“I’ve lived all my life on Pea Ridge, and I’ve grown up with many generations of a close-knit family,” he said. “I am surrounded by good people with good character, every day. My father is a pastor, and he is my biggest influence. Although I am not a pastor, I follow in his footsteps. I started being active in the church I attend, and became familiar with neighboring churches and the activities they do in addition to their Sunday mornings.”

Staley has been active as a trustee in the Zion Grove AME Church and the Polk County Community Foundation. He not only encourages healthy living for other people, but also makes it central for himself.

“I go to the gym almost every day. Getting older motivates me,” he said. “As I see health problems develop in people who matter to me, I also see how keeping active and healthy makes a difference.”