Harris is also one of Northmont High School’s valedictorians, takes all advanced classes, and has a long volunteering list.
“Watching Ja Kayla dance is like watching fireworks,” said Northmont Spanish teacher Sarah Gosser. “It always amazes me how someone could do things that are very difficult and make it look effortless. Truly, that’s Ja Kayla. She was never loud, never flashy but boy, was she magical.”
Through her high school career, her mother, Tianna Renee Harris, has battled chronic pancreatitis, which doctors determined was genetic and was frequently hospitalized.
The high-schooler said she was able to get through it by staying busy and knowing the rest of her family was there for her.
“She would check in with us all the time,” Ja Kayla Harris said. “As far as her missing things, that was really sad, but I knew that my other family would be there to support me.”
Her dad, JaVon Harris, stepped up, Ja Kayla Harris said.
Ja Kayla Harris said she has dealt with imposter syndrome as a Black woman interested in STEM fields. But having her family support her helped battle that.
In the fall, Harris is headed to Harvard University on a near-full ride. She plans on majoring in physics but said that may change as she is interested in several different career fields.
MORE OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
🎓 Carroll’s Maria Camacho found power in speaking up for her immigrant community »
🎓 Xenia’s Hiba Loukssi found her voice in poetry to advocate for change »
🎓 Stivers’ Jonathan Quallen-Cooper found a way out of mental health issues through band »
Editor’s note: This year’s graduating high school class overcame historic hardships amid the COVID pandemic. Of the thousands of graduates, many stand out for their talent and drive. The Dayton Daily News chose four outstanding graduates from school nominations to feature this year. Pick up Sunday’s newspaper or read our Sunday ePaper for complete graduation coverage.
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