Where are they going: Layla Virtue

Layla Virtue (‘23) plans to attend Front Range Community College (FRCC) for two years following graduation to receive her degree in forensic science. She wants to work towards her Master’s in Forensic Science or something similar in that field.

During her time at FRCC, Layla will be an apprentice for Mr. Clark, a previous Mead teacher now working at Skyline High School.

Her ultimate goal is working for the FBI. She wants to attend CIA University in Virginia where students are working towards careers in criminology and forensics.

Layla spent her first three years of high school at Skyline. Between the two schools, she has experienced many different things and interacted with many different people.

“From moving schools to trying a different sport [to] meeting new people, I feel like I experienced a lot of different things from both high schools,” she said.

If she could give one piece of advice to high school students now, it would be: “don’t follow the crowd”.

“Who you surround yourself with dictates a lot,” she added. Keep in mind who you’re interacting with and always do what you want to do.

“Trying something new and meeting new people” changed a lot for her.

Even through the ups and downs of high school, Layla is proud she’s been able to maintain good grades and will be graduating in good standing. Getting through the tough times hasn’t been easy, but she’s proud she was able to support herself enough to be in the place she is now.

She spent her high school career playing soccer and being a part of a lot of different communities.

One of her favorite teachers was at Skyline – English teacher Ms. Dunbar. She was welcoming, helpful, and happy. “She was down to earth and inspired me to be more like her,” Layla shared.

English teacher Ms. Jamie Hedlun has also had a positive impact on her. She said, “All the teachers I’ve had [at Mead] have been so supportive.”

“Show up and be a part of things,” Layla advised incoming seniors in the Class of 2024. These experiences are only here for another year, so don’t take them for granted.

She continued, “Make sure [your future goals are] something that you want to pursue.” These decisions shouldn’t be based on anybody else.

Layla has done incredible things throughout high school, and we’re excited to see her further these personal and career accomplishments in the future.