This story was published in partnership with The People-Sentinel, a Report for America partner newsroom in South Carolina. By early 2024, it was clear Markayla Roberts was going places. Just six months into high school, the 14 year old was taking multiple honors classes and planned to enroll in courses at a local university during her sophomore year. In her free time, she was creative, exploring clothing design, interior decoration, and drawing, which her stepfather nurtured by making sure she always had art supplies.