May 6, 2026 — At Hillgrove High School, you won't get far without a teacher or staff member having something great to say about senior Lylah Kilgore.
In just a few weeks, Lylah, the current student body vice president, will graduate from Cobb Schools—leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and leadership for her fellow students at Hillgrove.
From dance team and student government to mentoring fellow students, Lylah has a full schedule aimed at creating an even brighter path after high school, but it hasn’t always been easy.
In eighth grade, Lylah lost her mom to breast cancer. With her dad living in North Carolina, Lylah lived with her older sister, and the two leaned on each other as she navigated her way through high school.
"It inspires me as an adult to watch a young lady who has literally become the caregiver for her mom before she passed. And just being able to be resilient every day, I see her, she's smiling. She has the best attitude, and no one would ever know all of the things that she has gone through," said Hillgrove Principal Angela Stewart.
Admittedly, it was a difficult time for Lylah trying to balance everything she was doing at school while also grieving the loss of her mom.
She's spoken to other students at Hillgrove who are going through something similar and offers helpful advice.
"Don't let challenges stop you. Don't let a bad thing let you quit because you ultimately are writing your own story, and your life is ultimately what you make it, so live it to the fullest," said Lylah.
As she prepares to graduate, she reflects on her mom and how proud her mom would be of all she's accomplished.
"Although she does have the best seat in the house, I feel like it will hurt a little to not hear her cheering in the crowd with my family," said Lylah.
Lylah will attend North Carolina A&T next year as she continues to inspire and help others in any way she can.
