When Kayla Horger first stepped on Montgomery County Community College’s Blue Bell Campus in the summer of 2022, it was for a very important reason– to begin to build a better life for herself and her family.  

“I wanted to make a future for myself doing something I enjoyed,” she said, “that would get me further in life with an education. My daughter is the one thing that helps me push to a better future. She’s the reason I make the decisions I do.”

This year Horger, 34, of Pennsburg, took the next step toward her goal, by earning an associate’s degree in Music. She also was selected to sing the National Anthem at Commencement. This fall she continues her journey by transferring to Kutztown University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in music. She ultimately wants to become a music therapist.

With a degree now in hand, Horger said leaving the College feels bittersweet. While she’s excited for the next chapter of her life to begin, it’s been hard to say goodbye.

“This place has been my biggest supporter. It’s really a home away from home,” she said. “It’s hard to leave because I feel so comfortable here.”

Pursuing a passion

Horger first enrolled at the College as a Psychology major but decided to pursue her passion for musical theatre after taking a course. Ultimately, that decision led her to switch her major to music, as well as help launch the Musical Theatre Club.

Horger has sung professionally since she was a child in the Bel Canto Children's Choir of Bethlehem, Pa., where she was a member until she was 18 years old. The group has performed internationally and at special events, including a performance before the U.N. She performed at the U.N. a second time while studying as a vocal major at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for Performing Arts. She plays several instruments, including ukulele, piano, guitar and autoharp.

As a music major, Horger has had many unique experiences she won’t soon forget. She performed in Jerry Collom’s Mustang Lounges student open mic nights in the Montco Cultural Center theater. She also recorded the female vocal part on a song for the band “Three Chord Money,” in MCCC’s Mix Room. In addition, she recorded music at Studio 4 Recording in Conshohocken with Sound Recording and Music Technology (SRT) alumni who have worked with Music Assistant Professor Michael Kelly and SRT Director David Ivory. Horger is also the first singer to perform with the College’s jazz band in more than two decades.

The importance of these experiences isn’t lost on her.

“The number of times I’ve gotten to perform on stage or in general has superseded the number of times I thought this would happen. It opens doors,” she said. “I didn’t know I’d have these kinds of opportunities. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”

Most recently, Horger represented the College when she sang the National Anthem at the 2024 Tri-County Suburban Realtors Board of Directors Installation at the Blue Bell Country Club. She also performed two solo pieces at MCCC’s2024 Spring Performing Arts Showcase. In addition, she was among a group of student singers who performed at the 2025 Achieving the Dream national conference in Philadelphia. Capping all these opportunities with the National Anthem at Commencement was a big honor, she said.

Aside from music, Horger was actively involved in Montco Radio, first hosting a musical theatre-themed show before switching to hosting “The Beatles Bakery.” She also served as the group’s vice president.

Meanwhile, she was named to the Dean’s List four times. She worked as a federal work-study student in the Admissions Office and received the Excellence in Liberal Arts Award for Music Excellence.

Thinking about all she’s accomplished since her first steps on campus three years ago, Horger said has made it all the more difficult to leave, but she’s fortunate for the time she’s had.

“It’s surreal,” said Horger. “I started college at 31 thinking ‘I’m going to try going to school again.’ Now here I am. Every day there’s something I was a part of. There are pictures of me on screens in the hallway.

“School keeps me centered. This is the place where I find my calm,” she continued. “When I was having a bad day, if I came here, I’d feel better. It’s hard to leave here. This is the most support I’ve ever had.”