Layla Simone, North Aurora, has always had a passion for the performing arts. She performed in her first musical at the age of twelve when she was cast as Lady Ivanna in The Emperors New Clothes. Some of her highlights include Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (2003), Marian the Librarian in the Music Man(2004), Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (2006), and Lilli Vanessi/Katherine in Kiss me, Kate(2008). Layla has also had ensemble roles in Guys and Dolls(2003), Once Upon A Mattress(2005), and Little Women(2007). She has also done backstage work on 42nd Street (2006) and Wonderful Town (2007). She has participated in several choral groups. When she heard about auditions for Stand Up! Change Teen Statistics, Layla immediately knew she wanted to be involved with the project. She has volunteered her time with other programs, such as Operation Snowball, that carry strong messages like the ones in Stand Up! to teens. Layla would like to thank the production team and cast of Stand Up! for all of their hard work on the project.  She would especially like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, because of them she is ready to Stand Up.