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Carnegie Vanguard High School, a Houston Independent School District magnet campus renowned for its gifted and talented students, boasts junior Laila Payne among its exceptional achievers.
Laila’s athletic prowess extends to the track, where she competes in challenging events like the 100-meter dash, 300-meter hurdles, and 200-meter dash.
Despite the demanding nature of her athletic pursuits, Laila maintains an impressive 4.7 GPA, navigating the rigors of one of the nation’s most challenging schools with a positive outlook.
In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Laila is deeply involved in campus activities, serving as president of both the Black Student Union and Foster Care System Awareness clubs. She also contributes her talents to the nationally recognized competitive dance team.
At Carnegie Vanguard, where rigorous coursework and extracurricular involvement are the norm, Laila finds fulfillment in balancing her academic, athletic, and personal interests.
The journey to success in track and field is arduous, requiring qualification in consecutive track meets to reach the state level. Yet, Laila’s determination propelled her to victory in the 300-meter hurdles at the state level last year. Recently, she secured victories in the 100-meter hurdles and qualified for the 200-meter run, demonstrating resilience and focus despite the demanding schedule.
As Laila gears up for the regional meet, all eyes are on her as she strives to secure a spot at the state level, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication in pursuit of excellence.