Iola High School senior Jesse Taylor admits he always expected he would graduate as valedictorian.
After all, his three older sisters each achieved that highest academic honor. It was natural to assume he would do the same.
He never felt pressured. It was never about any sort of competition or need to prove himself.
Instead, he said, it’s about appreciation for his sisters and his parents, Ben and Jennifer Taylor.
“My parents and my sisters have done so much for me and I want to make them proud,” he said.
“I guess you could say it’s kind of like gratitude, to show that I appreciate them and I care about everything they’ve done for me.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean it was easy.
Jesse had to learn how to balance numerous activities, all very different and each a challenge in its own way. He’s succeeded at all levels: from academics to athletics, and from religion to extracurricular school activities.
He became involved in athletics from a young age, and was part of a swim team as a youth. But running is the sport he’s most passion about.
“I’ve always been a runner,” he said.
He joined cross country in seventh grade and competed in both cross country and track throughout middle school and high school. He earned repeat state appearances in both sports.
At the same time, he also delivered state-level performances in band. Last year, Taylor qualified for state and ranked No. 1 on saxophone. He again qualified for state this year as part of a saxophone quartet, and earned a I-rating at a large ensemble state contest.
He also plays the piano, having taken lessons from Kathleen McCollum since the summer after kindergarten. He recently had his last piano recital, which was bittersweet to see that long relationship reach its conclusion.
Meanwhile, he’s also been involved in numerous extra-curricular activities, such as president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He’s a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been part of their youth group throughout high school.
