BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – There was a time not too long ago when it was easy to spot Jayla Duncan, a Childersburg High School graduate who was deeply involved in school and community activities. Today, one of her most visible pursuits is the scholarship pageant circuit, which she uses to help finance her college career.
She is the reigning Miss Samford University and Miss East Alabama 2026, and her pageant platform has “sparked” a whole new level of busy for the co-ed.
Duncan has taken her “Be the Spark” platform – a passion for anti-bullying advocacy – and turned it into something that elevates her community involvement to a new level.
In addition to a full schedule of college courses and extracurricular activities, including serving as a Bulldog cheerleader, she is now a published author of a children’s book, A Bully for Bella, complete with her own speaking tour.
Jayla will appear at Alabaster’s Albert L. Scott Library, where she will chat with children and read her book. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
She will also share information about her anti-bullying nonprofit, “Jayla’s Justice: Be the Spark!” which helps children deal with bullying while offering an inspiring message of kindness, resilience, and creating safer communities for all.
