An outstanding student, avid reader, star volleyball player, and strong leader, Layla Truitt lives up to the Hutchison mission of showing girls they can go anywhere they can imagine.
Since coming to Hutchison in 6th grade, Layla has continued to discover her passions both in and out of the classroom. During 7th grade when girls are required to choose Spanish or Chinese to study, Layla says it was a no-brainer which one she would select. “When I walked into Chinese class, something clicked, and I have loved learning the language ever since.” Now as a junior, she is enrolled in Advanced Honors Chinese and is on track to take AP Chinese next year.
In addition to Chinese, Layla’s class schedule is stacked with AP Environmental Science, AP Government, and AP Language & Composition. And her extracurricular schedule is just as impressive. She serves as the communications officer for the Honor Council and is a member of the Chinese Club, Bee Outdoors Club, and Library Advisory Board Club. Her passion for reading is well known as some staff members even go to her for book recommendations, and she says sci-fi/fantasy is her favorite genre. “My love for reading really came out in middle school. In Ms. McCausland’s 8th grade English class, she gave us a challenge of reading 25 books, and I ended up reading 100 books that year. I just love the story that comes from a good book.”
Perhaps her greatest passion outside of school is volleyball. She plays for the Hutchison varsity team and for the Memphis Metro club team. She has been playing the sport for six years and currently spends about 10-12 hours a week either practicing or participating in games. “I love the camaraderie and team aspect of the sport. In volleyball, you can’t play by yourself. It is a true team sport. Every time I step on to the court with my teammates, I feel that adrenaline rush and know we are in this together, and we can do whatever we want as a team.”
Layla is a hard worker and dedicated to always doing her best. She says Hutchison has played a great part in helping her try new things and manage such a full schedule. “I am at a loss for words when I think about my Hutchison experience. Every level of my school has prepared me to be the person I am today. Every year since I have been here, I have become a better, more well-rounded person. All the teachers and faculty have played a major part in that.”
Nine Hutchison upper school girls served the Memphis community during the Church Health Youth Service Council’s inaugural year and will continue to serve on the council next school year.
Jordan Deupree ’24 and Bailey Wiener ’24 have been recognized for their leadership in their selection for the Next Gen program, which provides students with mentorship and opportunities to learn more about the Memphis business community.
Hutchison alumna Dr. Kelly Rodney Arnold ’96 had the honor of serving as the commencement speaker for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Arts and Sciences ceremony in May 2024.
At Hutchison, Zelia Cedeño-Avila ’24 stepped out of her comfort zone to try many different things and hone in on her interest in science and math, from serving as Technology Council president to creating a robotic scarecrow for her myExperience capstone project. A lifelong learner, she will bring her knowledge and skills to Vanderbilt University, where she plans to study mechanical engineering.
Three upper school students will participate in high-intensity summer programs in subjects including emerging technologies, international studies, and computational physics.
A discovery in one science class led Izzy Ellis ’24 to delve deeper into her interest in biology and map out a path for college and beyond. Along the way, she nurtured other interests, from athletics to civics. An aspiring oncologist, her dream is to find a new, innovative treatment that could help save lives.
Hutchison world language students participated in the 2024 U of M Language Fair, sponsored by The University of Memphis Department of World Languages and Literatures. Demonstrating their knowledge of Spanish, Hutchison had a total of 12 students win awards at the fair.
AP Scholar and National African American Recognition Program Scholar Lauren Coleman ’24 explored her interest in science and the environment at Hutchison. She hopes to make a difference through a career in sustainability.
J’oules Williams ’24 is a member of Memphis Parent magazine’s inaugural 10 under 20 class. The award celebrates youth who strive to make a difference in their community and change the lives of others for the better.
Adela Calzada ’24 has attended Hutchison since pre-K, and she said it allowed her to blossom into a leader who also makes Hutchison feel like home for her peers.
Our inaugural graduating class of the myExperience program presented their capstone projects with confidence, poise, and enthusiasm at our first myExperience Senior Showcase.
Excelsior! Demonstrating their knowledge of Latin, Hutchison had a total of 10 students win awards at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention.
Jayla Dorsey ’24 was a dedicated member of the varsity basketball team all four years of her high school experience, and she credits her coach, teammates, and Hutchison community members for believing in her.
Avery Webb ’26 enjoyed the opportunity to shadow Rep. John Gillespie in Nashville as he interacted with state officials and legislators, and she even got to meet Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Mary Catherine Hughes ’10, a development associate at the Nashville Repertory Theatre.