A Canyon High School junior will represent the Lone Star State this summer at the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Layla Rayburn, 16, is one of 250 high school national youth delegates from all over the country chosen to participate in this six-day immersive summit, hosted by George Mason University, the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Rayburn, whose interest in wildlife biology spurred her to complete the application, is the only student from Texas to be chosen for this year’s summit.
“I love animals and the environment," she explained, "and want to study how they are affected by humans."
The WYSE offers delegates the opportunity to meet other students from across the nation who share their interests; learn from experts about environmental science, conservation policy and law; and experience college life.
Rayburn, who serves on the CHS student council, is excited about all of these opportunities and where they may lead her.
Congratulations, Layla!