Here are three graduates from Taylor Preparatory High School who are prepared to meet the world.
Gabriela Brown, Taylor Preparatory High School, Class of 2022
As high school students begin considering their college choices, many focus on a small handful of schools that would best fit their goals. Taylor Prep grad Gabriela Brown made sure to keep her options open, as she was accepted to 19 colleges and universities.
“It is a mixture of excitement and nervousness,” Brown said. “I am blessed to have so many options, but it makes the final choice more difficult. I visited several campuses and made a determination based on what school culture felt best and aligned with my future career choice.”
She chose Wayne State University because of their medical program and the opportunities it will provide her in the neonatal field.
Brown credits Taylor Prep Physical Education Teacher Ronald Pummill with helping her during her junior and senior years.
“He helped me come out of my shell and find confidence in myself through athletics and his electives,” she said.
“As I became more extroverted, I took advantage of more opportunities and formed a harder work ethic. Overall, he has become a mentor to me and is one of the reasons why I am ending on my high school experience top of my class and with many opportunities ahead.”
Brown has also spent time adding to her musical abilities by adding two new instruments to her repertoire.
“While balancing all the responsibilities of school I learned two additional instruments this year, and now play a total of four (violin, piano, trumpet, and flute). I also sing and perform at my church when I am not teaching the third and fourth grade classes in the children’s ministry.”
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Gabriela!
Madison Holland, Taylor Preparatory High School, Class of 2022
Madison Holland’s passion for water and the creatures that live in it are driving her decisions for college. The Taylor Prep graduate is planning to attend Spring Arbor University to major in biology for the next two years, then transfer to the University of Tampa to transition to marine biology.
“I love diving,” Holland said. “I have gone diving in the British Virgin Islands and in Cozumel, Mexico. I have always loved the ocean and I have been on over 16 dives. I cannot explain the feeling of euphoria I get when dropping down into the water.”
Her goal is to finish college then work at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, then in the summers teach children how to SCUBA dive.
Education has played a large role in Holland’s drive to succeed. She was approved for over $1 million in college scholarships to different schools. Holland credits Taylor Prep Academic Specialist Johannah Priessler for providing significant guidance throughout her high school career.
“She has helped with my 504 plans since my freshman year and she has been an endless support system for me,” Holland said. “She constantly shows she cares, and I just love her so much.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for many, but Holland said she and her family have battled back by creating family time around a popular video game.
“I am a very busy person, so I typically like a night in whenever I get the chance,” she said. “Since COVID started, a way my family and I have stayed bonded was by playing Fortnite together, so pretty regularly, even two years later, we still try and play as much as we can.”
Good luck during the next part of your educational journey, Madison!
Madi Karl, Taylor Preparatory High School, Class of 2022
Taylor Prep graduate Madi Karl has endured a challenging couple of years. The pandemic proved difficult for Karl, who, like her fellow classmates, worked hard to learn while navigating in-person and virtual learning. Add in the additional responsibility of working toward her associate degree as part of the Early Middle College program, and there were times when Karl questioned her own resolve.
“There were several times that I doubted myself,” she said. “I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. The process was stressful and overwhelming, but throughout it all, I just kept telling myself that this was the most beneficial thing for me and my future.”
“This EMC program was a rewarding opportunity, one that I am grateful to have been a participant of. I can finally say that I am proud of my accomplishments thus far. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me beyond my newly earned associate degree, and I have Taylor Prep to thank for that.”
Karl’s love of family has helped keep her centered.
“Spending time with my family is my favorite thing to do, without a doubt,” she said. “It doesn’t matter to me if we are traveling the world or just sitting there in each other’s presence, reminiscing. If I am surrounded by family, I’m content.”
She also found stability in Taylor Prep Registrar Eboni Gill.
“From the day I enrolled in Taylor Prep, to my first college class, to my last day of high school, Mrs. Gill was always somebody that I could count on,” Karl said. “She made sure that I stayed on the right track all throughout high school and looked out for all of the students. She was a very reliable member of Taylor Prep and I greatly appreciate everything she has done.”
Congratulations on your associate degree, Madi!
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