Although born in New York, Khalia Mounsey was raised in Virginia Beach where she attended Rock Church Academy, receiving a Christian education. A spelling bee finalist for five consecutive years and captain of the Junior JV Cheerleading Squad, Khalia showed academic promise and leadership potential from the start. In eighth grade she transferred to public school, impressing teachers with her scholastic achievements and commitment.

When her family moved to Baltimore at the end of eighth grade, Khalia chose to attend Kenwood High School because of its successful International Baccalaureate Program. She distinguished herself in this challenging academic environment, taking a full schedule of IB classes, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and ranking first in her class. Khalia is a National Ventures Scholar and a United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar.

Her commitment to excellence extends to the leadership roles she assumes. At Kenwood Khalia was Senior Class President and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. An accomplished musician, she played the flute and piccolo in the school’s marching band, concert band, and pit orchestra. She played on the varsity girls’ soccer team and managed the girls’ varsity basketball team.

Khalia has focused her volunteer activities on serving the elderly. She has organized activities at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and served meals to frail elderly residents at a subsidized living facility.

In her free time, Khalia enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, reading, and writing poetry. She hopes to pursue a career in science and medicine.