Ram Pride: Kayla McCarty’s YoungArts Triumph

Kayla McCarty, a Ramona High School’s Fine Arts program senior, was recently named a 2025 National Winner with Distinction for Musical Theater by the YoungArts Program. She is one of only 13 national honorees. This accomplishment highlights both Ramona’s Fine Arts Magnet’s success and Kayla’s commitment to excellence.

Kayla will participate in the National YoungArts Week and Gala in January 2025 in Miami, Florida, as part of her award. During YoungArts Week, she’ll connect with other top young artists across ten disciplines, receiving masterclasses, collaborative opportunities, and invaluable mentorship from internationally recognized arts leaders. Alumni of the YoungArts Foundation include Viola Davis, Timothée Chalamet, and Josh Groban, placing Kayla among an elite group of emerging artists.

Kayla’s success extends far beyond this award. As a standout student in Ramona High’s Fine Arts program, she has been instrumental in elevating the program’s reputation. Ramona Theater Arts instructor Jessica McCarty says, “Kayla is an exemplary student and performer who showcases the high quality of Ramona’s Performing Arts. Acting, dancing, and singing bring her a profound sense of joy that she shares with audiences. Her achievements have confirmed that she can pursue acting as a full-time career pathway. She’s currently awaiting university responses for acceptance into BFA Musical Theatre programs. Kayla’s GPA also ranks her in the top 1% of her class while taking multiple Honors and AP classes and Dual Enrollment classes with RCC.”

Jessica McCarty further praised her stage performance: “As a performer at Ramona, Kayla has been inspiring through her extraordinary accomplishments. These opportunities have been possible through Ramona’s Theatre Program and the support of myself and the performing arts staff.”

As President of Ramona’s Thespian Troupe 2603, Kayla has earned the title of International Honors Thespian through her active participation in numerous theater productions. Her lead role in the fall production of Eurydice showcased her range as an actress and captivated audiences, bolstering her reputation as one of the school’s most talented performers.

While Kayla plans to pursue theater beyond high school, she’s focusing on savoring her remaining time at Ramona. “I’m honored to participate in the YoungArts program and excited to learn from professional artists, grow as a performer, and meet the other Winners of Distinction in Miami, Florida,” she says. “This program will be a great start to my final semester in high school and all the performances. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of all the amazing instructors I have had throughout the years.”