Shakayla Byrd was one of 51 students who received awards during special ceremonies on awards night at Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix. The 16-year-old sophomore received the prestigious Telluride Association Award for Academic Excellence and Seminar Participation.

The award was appreciated by the faculty as well as the recipient. It was announced that this was the first time the school has received the Telluride Award.

As recipient of the award, Byrd will spend six weeks this summer at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor participating in research projects and learning to write medical reports. She will begin her junior year in September.

Byrd is active in the youth programs at Beacon Light church. She is a member of the youth choir, Pathfinder club and participates with the youth in community outreach programs.

When asked if she plans to pursue a career in the medical field, she said, “I’m not sure at this time, but whatever I decide to do, it will be something to help people, because I like to help people.”

At school she is a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society and several other on-campus organizations.

She is encouraged in her pursuit for academic excellence by her proud parents, Ruland and Wanda Coit.