North Avondale Library Shows Support for Woodlawn High Track Star Headed to National Competition

Jayla Kirkland, left, in photo with North Avondale Library Manager Saundra Ross, center, and track coach Myra Hawkins, right, hold some of the cards North Avondale patrons created to show support as she heads to national competition in North Carolina Friday. Photo by Bruce Nix. 

Staff and patrons of North Avondale Branch Library are rallying to show their support for a Woodlawn High School track start headed to a national competition to defend her titles.

On Friday, June 17, Jayla Kirkland will leave for North Carolina for the New Balance Nationals, where she will defend her first-place titles in the 100- and 200-meter dash races she won last year. Later this month, Jayla will fly to Clovis, California to compete in the World Junior Trials. If she makes the World Junior team, Jayla will compete in a world event in Poland this July.

After hearing that Jayla was training next door at Hayes K-8, North Avondale Library Manager Saundra Ross said staff and patrons got together to show their support. Students created a huge support Kayla card and a book display of track books in honor of Jayla. Ross urged the public to stop by the library to sign the card, which will be given to Jayla.

Last year, Jayla brought home the bronze after competing in the World Junior Championship track meet in South America. Birmingham citizens can help Jayla as she eyes an even bigger prize at the Poland track meet.

Jayla, who has won recognition as Alabama’s fastest female high school sprinter, needs additional financial support to help reach her dreams. She has set up an account at www.gofundme.com/GoJayla123 for donations.

Learn more about Jayla here:  http://alabamanewscenter.com/2016/06/13/alabama-athlete-jayla-kirkland-wants-make-run-world-junior-championships/