Taylor Prep Grad Receives Full Ride to EMU

Taylor Preparatory High School senior Adrian Spencer was honored with a special accolade, and he leaned on years of Moral Focus™ lessons to pave the way for his future.

Spencer received the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Presidential Scholarship, which covers tuition, and room and board for four years. One of 20 recipients, Spencer joins an exclusive club of Presidential Scholars at the university.

The award is EMU’s most prestigious for incoming first-year students, and lays out the path for Spencer to succeed in the school’s Honors College. Spencer is planning to major in cybersecurity with a minor in business. He said Taylor Prep and National Heritage Academies^® (NHA^®) have helped him prepare for this next step.

Spencer has been an NHA student since first grade, attending Metro Charter Academy and Taylor Exemplar Academy in his elementary and middle school years. Now on the precipice of college, he is equipped with a full ride and the knowledge and skills needed to overcome anything in his way.

“My favorite Moral Focus virtue is Perseverance,” Spencer said. “If you truly have the passion to fight for something you want, you’ll go through whatever it takes to get there. Moral Focus isn’t just a list of monthly words; it’s a set of characteristics that shape a person into someone respectful, engaging, and prepared for life as they continue to grow.”

Dean of Instruction Jenna Ekulona said the whole school community was proud of Spencer for this accomplishment and were excited to be at a surprise ceremony revealing the scholarship. She added that Spencer already carries himself as a college student.

“He’s so mature and so respectful,” Ekulona said. “He’s the type of student where if he doesn’t get something right, he’s going to try until he does get it right. He’s just an all-around leader here at school.”

Spencer was active at Taylor Prep, participating in the National Honor Society and leading on the Senior Committee. Ekulona said he has been a reliable helping hand for her when planning senior activities.

Thanks to this vast experience from helping his community and the many years of academic and moral development in NHA schools, Spencer is ready to achieve.

“Taylor Prep and NHA have provided the tools and guidance my classmates and I needed to successfully transition into the collegiate world,” Spencer said. “From AP exam preparation to after-school clubs and tutoring, they’ve been adaptive and understanding of what students need to succeed and reach their full potential.”

Congratulations, Adrian! Best of luck at EMU!