In Memoriam: Kayla Payne

Kayla Grace Payne, a beloved Monsoon at Mayfair High School, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 15. She was born on April 21, 2009 and left us on March 11, 2025. She is survived by her mother, Kristen Payne.

Kayla was an active member of the Mayfair campus; she performed the lead role in "Mean Girls the Musical Jr." and excelled on the softball team as well as the golf team. She enjoyed acting, singing, reading, photography, laughing, cats, and most of all, her friends. Although very involved on campus, Kayla also spent her time spreading love and kindness to others, always finding the time to put a smile on someone's face. She was loved very dearly; condolences to the family and her loved ones.

A link to a GoFundMe page was established help Payne's family during these difficult times. Additionally, The Windjammer reached out to gather some kind words about Kayla from those closest to her:

Emmerson Workman:

Me and Kayla became friends by simply watching funny videos and her also watching them behind me. Since that day we became super close. Kayla had a contagious laugh and could bring someone out of a bad mood with jokes and just her presence. I will miss her everyday because I've never laughed with anyone like that until I met her.

Mr. Saunders:

No matter what came her way, Kayla was determined to be Kayla. She always had a smile on her face and had a bounce in her step. She greeted everyone with a hug and the middle school cast members swarmed to her nurturing personality. Even when the going was tough, she did what she had to do. To me, she always had a spark that was natural on set and it continuously conveyed the eagerness of Cady Heron. But where I saw a child playing a role, that role was more than just a role for Kayla—it was Kayla. As Cady Heron, she always had a smile on her face, a bounce in her step, and was nurturing. As Cady, she was determined to be herself in the end and always had that spark—a spark like a star. Kayla, to quote the song you sang, ‘You are stars. So many stars tonight. You make diamonds dull. You are so beautiful.’ You were so real. You were so rare. We should have seen you there—like you saw us.

Note written by Kayla Payne to Mr. Rodriguez

Mr. McCabe:

Kayla never hesitated to let you know exactly what she was thinking. Early on in our year of study Kayla commented about how I like my classroom routines. I responded that research shows students learn more effectively when they know what to expect. No she replied, you like to think you're in control. Kayla had developed an obsession with romance novels during Spring semester 2024. I said to her during class, "Kayla, that doesn't look like Biology." Without missing a beat she says, "Not the kind of Biology you're teaching." I miss her insight. I miss her disarming frankness. I miss her. 

Ms. Gutierrez:

I will remember her smile and laughter, it will forever stay with me.

Memorial to Kayla Payne in the 5th period class of Mrs. Garvin

Mr. Becker-Valle:

I am very fortunate to have known Kayla and to have taught her. When I think back on our class  I remember how generous she was to the quieter students and how quickly she made friends with them. I remember her mischievous and gleeful laughter, and the shocked and scandalized expressions she made while silently reading about some insane twist or revelation in the novel that had captivated her that week. Kayla brought a lot of personality, levity, and joy to that class and my first year at Mayfair High School.   

Coach Brown:

Kayla's love for books and reading carried over into her writing. She shared she wanted to be a writer one day. Outside of English she saved an abandoned juvenile squirrel. She hid it throughout the day and the squirrel made its way to the softball field. I kept hearing random noises coming from her sweatshirt pocket. She finally showed me the squirrel. She had the best intentions of saving this little baby squirrel. I agreed to take the squirrel and help it, it was really important to her. My son and I went that evening to get kitten milk, bottle feed the squirrel and keep it warm throughout the night. The squirrel made it to the next morning and we were able to get it to a wildlife center in Huntington Beach. I was excited to share the photos of the squirrel with Kayla. When I did,  she got the most beautiful smile on her face. She was so excited and happy to see the squirrel at the wildlife life center. She truly had the best smile. This was all just a testament to her kind hearted nature. 

Patrick Alley:

Videos by Chibu Iwuanyanwu

Antoinette Thomas: