As an 8-year cancer survivor, Kayla Demeritte knows what it means to overcome life’s hardest challenges. At age of 9, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. While fighting her illness, Kayla never stopped learning and found solace through homeschooling. Her positive attitude, work ethic and selfless attitude have propelled her to the number one spot in her graduating class at Coppin Academy. Kayla concentrates all of her energies to challenging herself – whether it’s taking rigorous AP courses or participating in numerous extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Debate Team, School Choir, Senior Class Activity Committee and the National Society of High School Scholars. She also serves as the manager of the Cheerleading Team and volunteers at Triumph Community Church and Shirley’s Little Angel Daycare. In 2015, she participated in the University of Maryland College Park’s Young Scholars Program. Kayla is also enrolled in Coppin State University’s Early College Program, where students can earn college credits towards their degrees. Through it all, Kayla chooses to make the most out of every opportunity. She plans to major in journalism and pursue a career as a sports broadcaster.