Jelayla McCollum, 17, is the daughter of Jemal and Shayla McCollum of Bulloch County.  She is the valedictorian of the Statesboro STEAM College, Careers, Arts and Technology Academy, which is a public, state charter school for grades six-12.

“I was very surprised to be named valedictorian,” Jelaya said.  “I have some really smart classmates. My parents are very proud of me. I think they’re more excited than I am.”

Jelayla’s father works for Planters EMC in Jenkins County, which has a college scholarship program for children of employees.  She was the recipient of the company’s $1,000 scholarship this year.

Jelayla has attended Statesboro STEAM since she was in the eighth grade. This year, due to COVID-19, she’s primarily been a virtual student, but it’s a style of learning with which she’s become very adept.

“It’s fulfilling for me,” Jelayla said.  “I’ve been taking dual-enrolled classes at Ogeechee Technical College since I was in the ninth grade. I enjoy it because I can get things done as soon as I get them.  It’s self-paced, and I am better able to plan around my classes.”

She began completing her course work toward an associate’s degree from OTC when she was only 15 years old.  She’s completed her core classes, but she’s undecided on a major.

“I’m still weighing my options. When I finish, I’d like to go to Kennesaw State or Duke,,” she said.

Her favorite classes have been science and social studies.  She likes the learning experiences in those classes, which she believes makes it easier to learn.  She credits her science teacher, Jarmar Dunnum and her social studies teacher, Adrienne Dobbs.

“Layla is an awesome young lady,” said Dunnum. “She is a very smart, talented, confident and hardworking student. Layla is always willing to help others and goes above and beyond on everything she does. I expect great things out of this young lady because her parents did an awesome job raising her.”

“She is a hard worker,” said Dobbs. “She is determined, and she has a high drive to succeed. I'm very proud of her and wish her the very best in her future.”

Jelayla admits that she’s a morning person, who likes to wake up early and get her high school and college course work done. This helps her make time for a part-time job.  She’s part of the staff at Krispy Kreme.

When asked what advice she’d give to underclassmen who may also aspire to be valedictorian one day, Jelayla had this advice.

“Have fun, but not too much fun.  It’s important not to procrastinate.  You really have to stay up to date with your course work.”

Jelayla still made time for sports like softball and basketball.  She’s on her school’s basketball team, and a member of Beta Club, but she admits her favorite activity is reading.

“I read a lot!  As long as it looks interesting, I’ll read it,” she said. 

She wants to give a “huge shout-out” to her Beta Club adviser, Tammy DeLoach for the opportunities that she provided for the club.

“Jelayla is an amazing young woman,” said DeLoach.  “She graduated early, so I’m a little disappointed that I’ll miss a year with her, but excited to see what her future holds. She put in many hours of community and school service, and she worked diligently to maintain a high GPA.” 

Jelayla and DeLoach both fondly remember the Beta Club’s trip to New York City during winter break where they were surprised with an entire day of snow.

“I’ll never forget her and her friends having a snowball fight in Central Park,” said DeLoach, who also shared a prediction about Jelayla’s future success.

“This young lady is one to watch for. I know we will see big things from her.”