Salutatorian in her class of 312 at Biloxi (MS) High School, Kyla Dotson won recognition as the best English and algebra student. She took third place in the University of Southern Mississippi/NASA Physics Competition. A dedicated musician, Kyla held the first chair in the flute section and was named her high school symphonic band’s Most Outstanding Musician.

Despite working from 15 to 30 hours a week, Kyla found time to serve on the Youth Advisory Board of the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, organizing grocery drives and representing the Center at regional fairs. She tutored math at Biloxi, and was a member of Student Council, Key Club and the French Club. During the summer of 1998, Kyla participated in the LEAD Business Institute at the University of Virginia. According to one of her teachers, she possesses “such clarity of character that it is visible in all her endeavors.”

Between her first and second year at Williams College, Kyla taught in the Summerbridge Program at Norfolk Academy in Virginia.

Kyla is currently a Foreign Service Officer for the US State Department.