Shayla Beatty, 16, is a lifelong resident of Lesage, West Virginia, Shayla lives with her supportive family: her parents Deborah and Ben Beatty, her older sister Cierra, and her grandmothers Deanna Pottorff and Nancy Beatty, along with her grandfather Stan Beatty. Although Nancy and Stan live in California, they have been very influential in Shayla's life, surrounded by strong role models and unwavering encouragement, she has grown into a multi-talented, dedicated young woman with big dreams and a passion for performing.

Currently a junior at Cabell Midland High School, Shayla is already planning her future with confidence. “I plan to attend Marshall University and study forensic science,” she shares. But before she gets there, she’s making the most of every opportunity high school offers..

Shayla is a member of the Rhythm in Red show choir, where she serves as the 2024–2025 junior representative. Her love for show choir began in fifth grade after watching videos shared by her music teacher, Christa Navy. “I fell in love with it the moment I watched it,” she says. That passion turned into commitment, and she considers the choir a second family.

In addition to choir, Shayla is involved in Cabell Midland’s Speech and Debate team, where she earned a Top Novice award in Dramatic Interpretation at the John Marshall Tournament. She’s also a member of the Tri-M Music Honorary Society and has taken Russian for three years, earning an academic award for her achievements in Russian 3 honors.

Shayla’s love of theater runs deep. She’s performed in Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Little Shop of Horrors, and is currently working on Footloose with Alchemy’s theater program. “Theater is a place where I can escape from all the stresses of school and life in general,” Shayla says. “There’s a place for everyone in theater.”

Shayla participates in the Fashion Advisory Board (FAB) teen board at the Huntington Mall, where she helps coordinate community events and fashion shows. She began modeling at age eight and remains actively involved in service projects like Tuesdays for Toddlers.

Balancing a packed schedule isn’t easy, but Shayla does it with determination and grace. “I prioritize what is most important to me,” she says, noting she uses a planner and isn’t afraid to say no when she needs to rest. “ I can’t be in four places at once, unfortunately, so I make sure that I have time to myself, so I don’t become overwhelmed by work or activities all the time.”

One of Shayla’s biggest inspirations is Helen Freeman, someone she considers her theater mentor. “She taught me all the world’s a stage,” Shayla says. “Her joyful personality is contagious, and she lights up every room she enters. She has helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and performances through theater and speech, and debate. She truly is an amazing coach and director.”

Shayla is a remarkable young woman and we are proud to have her as part of the Barboursville community.