Layla English is a sophomore at the University of Kansas and is majoring in Musical Theater. Her goal with this degree is to one day perform on Broadway and act in movies. She is currently in the Jayhawk Marching Band and participates in many other extracurricular activities including theater groups, KU Choir, school plays, and book club. She also owns her own knitting business, and will donate items to NICU babies at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Even while participating in all of these activities, she still finds time to volunteer at Harvesters packing food for children and the elderly. Layla is the proud daughter of US Army E-7 Sergeant First Class Ellis English.
Sergeant Ellis English was a US Army combat engineer for over 15 years. He was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and was awarded the following medals: Afghanistan Campaign with 2 stars, Iraq Campaign with 3 stars, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, Army Achievement, Meritorious Service, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and Korea Defense Service Medal. He is currently retired from the miliary, and lives in Washington. Ellis was able to complete his undergrad degree after retiring from the military and now works for the GSA.