Za’Kayla Jones Hits All the Right Notes

Music major Za’Kayla Jones hopes to use her voice and her education to change the world.

Although she only began vocal classes six years ago when she moved to Spokane, she sang the national anthem for new U.S. citizens at their fall 2025 naturalization ceremony.

“It meant so much to me to sing at this ceremony,” says Jones. “In the past, I’ve been afraid to put myself out there, but it felt like I accomplished so much by singing at this event. To have these people who fought so hard to be American citizens here listening to me sing the anthem, it felt like I’d really done something right.”

As a vocalist and in life, Za’Kayla is hitting all the right notes. “If I see a need, I’m the type of person who wants to step in and fix it,” she explains. Jones also sings the national anthem at the EWU events and at the Spokane Indians minor league baseball games. Her ultimate goal, she says, is to sing the anthem at professional sporting events.

“I don’t always feel like there are many people of color who sing the national anthem,” says Jones. “So, I think it’s important for people to see me as an African American woman singing the anthem.”

In the meantime, Jones plans to embrace all the opportunities she can at EWU— in the classroom, on the field, and by sharing her joy with others through music. Your gift today will help meet the needs of Eagles like Za’Kayla, with talent, enthusiasm, and a dream to make a difference in our community and the world.