tcrow@taylorisd.org As many end of school events transitioned to a virtual stage during the coronavirus pandemic, the Rotary Club of Taylor held its annual scholars ceremony online to celebrate the top ten percent of Taylor’s graduating class of 2020. Certificates were delivered to students, and the link to the virtual ceremony was shared by email.
Rotary president, Regina Jo Carlson, began the program by welcoming scholars from Taylor High School and Legacy Early College High School. Superintendent Keith Brown offered his congratulations, and THS principal, Andrew Maddox, and Legacy principal, Ron Roth, announced student names for recognition.
Rotary scholars from Legacy Early College High School are Loryn Ashley Bailey, Christian Sanchez and Madison Walker.
Rotary scholars from Taylor High School are Jamiee Adame, Ansley Renee Bartoli, Brandon Chavana, Clayton Cobb, Ashlyn Collier, Joshua James Farley, Kaitlyn Nicole Finney, Justin Johnson, Reece Kennick, Katherine Kurtin, Easton Laurence, Laney Brooke Martinez, Marshall Oman, Jennifer Paris, Abby Patschke, Madison Sanchez, Garrett Schiller, Aubrie Claire Stromberg, Devin Truex, Alondra Vega and Christopher Wilson.
Evelyn Waiwaiole, 1987 Taylor High School graduate, gave the keynote address. She told students that no book, test or presentation could have prepared them for life like this very unexpected season. In her comments, she encouraged scholars to think about three questions as they journey into life after high school: What does it mean to celebrate? What does it mean to have gratitude? And what does it mean to reflect?
For the first question, Waiwaiole described how people have found new ways to celebrate during this unprecedented time.
“Moms and Dads are having individual proms in their dining rooms when proms have been cancelled, and family members are singing happy birthday to grandmas and grandpas from outside the windows of assisted living,” Waiwaiole said. “People are celebrating, they’re not waiting to celebrate. I promise you hardships will come in your life. Don’t wait to make someone feel special.”
For the second question, Waiwaiole reminded scholars that they did not get here alone.
“Have you said thank you for being a good friend?” Waiwaiole asked. “What about Mom and Dad and siblings and all the support they are giving you to get you here. They are the influences that won’t go away. Let’s be sure to say thank you.”
For the last question, Waiwaiole reminded scholars that the virus has left many of us with the gift of time.
“We have been on lockdown in our homes,” Waiwaiole said. “We’ve had more time than we’ve had in a long time and I hope we have used that wisely.”
She concluded by asking students not to think in terms of what they want to do, but who they want to be.
“As you leave high school, become that person. Start today and express ‘thank you’ along the way. Celebrate. And remember, Once a Duck, Always A Duck.”
A highlight of the annual Rotary Scholars Banquet is the presentation of the Distinguished Educator Awards. Each year the scholars vote for one teacher who has had the biggest impact on them. The teacher with the most votes is awarded and recognized on behalf of the group.
This year the Legacy Early College High School Distinguished Educator is Kelly Windham. In a message recorded for the virtual event, the English and journalism teacher reminded scholars that words matter.
“Words are powerful, and words have the power to build up and to break down. Your challenge is to use words to build things,” Windham said.
The Taylor High School Distinguished Educator is Vicki Rowe. In her pre-recorded message, Rowe told the scholars how much their relationship of mutual respect means to her.
“When I consider all the hours we have spent studying and learning together, It’s no wonder I love you all so much,” Rowe said. “And this award tells me that you must love me too. I would give you all a big hug if I could do that right now. Go forth and be a blessing to others as you have been a blessing to me.”
Another highlight of the event is the presentation of the Bunnell-Rotary Academic Scholarship. Each scholar was invited to submit an essay of what the Rotary motto of Service Above Self means to them. A committee read the essays, and then conducted telephone interviews with the top candidates to ask additional questions.
The 2020 Bunnell-Rotary Academic Scholarship of $6,000 was awarded to Justin Johnson.
The Taylor Rotary Club was established on May 12, 1921. In addition to honoring Taylor’s top graduates each year, and awarding an annual scholarship, Rotarians also serve the community through Meals on Wheels, Fight Against Polio and other service projects. The Rotary Scholars banquet is a time honored tradition that Taylor ISD staff, students and families look forward to each year.
