Kayla Williamson Balances Ambition, Academics, and Artistry
Kayla Williamson, a senior at Kings Mountain High School and a Career and College Promise (CCP) student at Cleveland Community College, stays busy, like most high school seniors. However, Kayla’s version of busy is a little different than most.
Whether she’s preparing for a future in healthcare, styling clients’ hair, or cheering her team to victory, Kayla embraces every opportunity.
Through the CCP program, Kayla is already taking meaningful steps toward her future career. She is completing college-level coursework, including biology and other prerequisites, and is currently enrolled in CCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with plans to take her state certification exam in May. All of this is preparation for transferring to UNC Charlotte to pursue a nursing degree. But nursing is not her ultimate goal. She’s reaching further.
“I want to be an anesthesiologist because it’s challenging,” Kayla said. “You care for the patient before and during surgery. Being there for patients is really important to me because that’s a life decision they make.”
That drive to take on challenges shows up in every area of her life. Kayla maintains straight A’s, participates in honors clubs, and cheers for her high school and on a competitive squad. Her commitment has helped lead the Kings Mountain High School cheer squad to impressive success, including two state championships. She has also earned individual honors, including Most Valuable Cheerleader and Most Dedicated Cheerleader for the 2024–2025 season.
Outside of academics and athletics, Kayla has turned a creative outlet into a growing side business. “I started doing my own hair when I was about 12,” she said. “Then I started doing my cousin’s hair, and I just always loved it.”
Encouraged by Dr. Christina Hill, a dean at CCC, Kayla enrolled in the Natural Hair Care class during the summer of 2025 “just for fun,” but quickly turned it into a professional opportunity. After completing the class, Kayla passed the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners written and practical exams. She is Cleveland Community College’s first CCP student to become a licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist.
She now works at Creative Salon in Kings Mountain, where she serves about five clients each week, balancing appointments with school and extracurriculars.
Kayla plans to continue doing hair while attending UNC Charlotte. Always planning three steps ahead, Kayla chose UNC Charlotte for its strong academic opportunities and proximity to home, but a major factor in her decision was that it offers a bridge program to Wake Forest University. That’s where Kayla plans to continue pursuing her ultimate career goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.
Throughout her journey, Kayla credits her family, especially her Aunt Kisha Smith, for their guidance and encouragement. “She helped with the application process and picking a college,” Kayla said. “She has multiple degrees, gives speeches, and has always been a very uplifting and spiritual person.”
As graduation approaches, Kayla is reflecting on everything she has accomplished. “I’ve put in the hard work over the years,” she said. “To get to the finish line and know that I’ve fulfilled my four years of high school the best way possible means a lot.”