Jacob Taylor, 2019 High School Scholarship Winner

Published by Team Midwest on Thursday, June 13, 2019 in Community

Each winter, we invite high school seniors whose households receive service from MEC to apply for one of four $1,000 college scholarships. Awards are based on a video essay as well as academic performance, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, employment and/or honors/awards.

In 2019, we challenged scholarship applicants to submit a video telling us what they would put in a time capsule to be opened in 2029. Here is one of our winners:

Meet Jacob

Jacob Taylor, graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School, will head to Michigan State University this fall to begin on his path to become a nurse anesthetist. “I love helping people and I want to be the one to help patients know that they will be O.K.”

Jacob is the son of Fred & Sheri Taylor. He currently lives in Schoolcraft but looks forward to his new adventure in East Lansing. “I'm excited to live on my own and make new friends in a bigger place. I want to expand my horizons,” he said.

He played varsity football and basketball for three years and varsity track for one year. Being active in sports taught him teamwork, responsibility and helped him to develop a work ethic that will guide him in the years to come. “Hard work does pay off. If you spend your off season working on skills and practicing, you will be stronger and better when you return. Plus, you'll stand out from others who didn't do the same,” he commented.

He's no stranger to working through challenges either. Injuries from sports led to two surgeries, which could have motivated him to give up on athletics. Instead, he stayed dedicated, worked through his recoveries and returned to the sports he loves. While he pointed out one of his “cool scars,” it’s the  lesson of perseverance that he carries with him today.

Some his fondest experiences in high school were when he got to be a bible camp counselor and a basketball camp counselor. “I love working with kids and making them happy. It's very rewarding to see smiles on their faces from teaching and bonding with them,” he said. In addition to playing sports and mentoring youth, Jacob was a member of National Honor Society for three years.

For kids starting high school this fall, he has this advice: “Stay positive and look at the brighter side. Many good things will happen; don't dwell on the negative like if you don't make a team or something.

Congratulations Jacob!

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