2020 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
Confident and Ready
As everything changes in the midst of a pandemic , several things remain the same , including the Stillwater Chamber ’ s commitment to providing Stillwater graduates an opportunity to pursue higher education with some financial help . The third annual Stillwater Chamber of Commerce scholarship was awarded to Tyme Taylor .
Taylor plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering ,
something he ’ s spent his high school career preparing for with the help of Meridian Technology Center ’ s pre-engineering program .
“ Choosing to take part in Meridian ’ s program was the best choice I could have made ,” Taylor said . “ I was led through many courses aimed at preparation for college engineering , and my instructors did a wonderful job . I feel confident and ready for college because of these past few years at Meridian .”
Taylor said his time at Meridian taught him an immeasurable number of skills , including best study practices , time management and group collaboration .
Beyond the classroom , the Chamber of Commerce also seeks to award an individual who positively influences the community in both a philanthropic and entrepreneurial way . Taylor rises above and
“… we quickly realized his potential to be a leader in our community .” — JUSTIN MINGES beyond this requirement , with both a heart for neighbors affected by 2019 ’ s flooding and a passion for owning his own lawncare business . He said having this business has helped him to learn about communicating with others as well as time and financial management .
“ Choosing just one recipient out of a pool of excellent choices is never easy ,” said Justin Minges , Chamber President and CEO . “ Looking at Tyme ’ s application , we quickly realized his potential to be a leader in our community . We hope to help his endeavors as much as we can , and we look forward to seeing his impact .”
In addition to Taylor ’ s senior year being cut short due to COVID- 19 , several family events have affected the financial need for scholarship assistance . Shortly after his mom ’ s battle with breast cancer , his dad had to have a brain tumor removed , causing medical bills to put an unplanned strain on their financial situation .
“ My parents have always supported me and raised me to be who I am today ,” Taylor said . “ I still plan to attend OSU in the fall , but this scholarship will help my family with the expenses of college .
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COMMERCE | 2021 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce