'I think she's very deserving': Community helps East Marion student get to program

Laughing, running around and greeting everyone with a huge smile, Shayla Reeves was ecstatic on Friday.

The 9-year-old girl was happy not because it was Friday, or the last day of school before spring break, or due to her just being a typical bubbly child. Shayla was beaming for what was going to happen minutes later.

"I think she's very deserving. She's highly intellectual and a go-getter," said Stephanie Rivera, the guidance counselor at East Marion Elementary School, where Shayla is a student.

In the school library, Shayla's parents, siblings, teachers, school officials and three guests — County Commission Chairwoman Michelle Stone, Ocala City Council President Pro Tem Kristen Dreyer and School Board member Sarah James — gathered to give Shayla's family some special gifts.

The gifts were personal checks: $500 each from Stone, Dreyer and James. The donations will help the third grader attend a prestigious program in Miami for gifted students.

"I'm really excited," Shayla said.

Shayla's selection

Recently, Shayla was selected for the prestigious Pathway to Stem initiative, which recognizes talented students from various schools nationwide.

Rivera, who has been at East Marion Elementary School for seven years, said each year she receives a packet from Pathway to Stem officials on who would qualify for their program. The guidance counselor said she submitted 12 nominees, including Shayla. Program officials selected Shayla.

This summer, Shayla will journey from Ocala to the University of Miami for five or six days as a participant in the program. According to its website, the program offers a variety of learning experiences in engineering, law and business to elementary, middle and high school students.

Shayla's family created a GoFundMe account to help raise money to cover lodging, food and other expenses. They figured the cost would be $3,500.

Proud of Shayla

Stone, Dreyer and James are friends and meet periodically. Stone said Dreyer saw an article about Shayla in the Star Banner and the women decided to make their contributions.

Aside from the checks, Stone gave Shayla a journal so she can record her trip.

"We didn't want money to be a barrier for her," Dreyer said.

Stone said she's proud of Shayla, and is confident Shayla will accomplish great things in the future. James added she's excited for Shayla. The board member said others are ready to contribute to the family if they need anything.

Adopted by Heather and Billy Reeves, Shayla was born in Lowell Correctional Institution, the state's largest women's prison, which is located in northwest Marion County. Following an up and down process, Shayla's adoption was finalized in December, the family said.

Shayla's mother said the GoFundMe account raised a little more than $1,500. She said they closed the account due to the overwhelming support from Marion County residents who reached out to them wanting to give money.

"I'm super proud of her," Heather Reeves said.

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The girl's father said he left school when he was in the eighth grade. He said to see one of his children make this type of achievement "is great" and "awesome."

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Student on her way to Miami for prestigious program; the community is helping