$180,000 scholarship to ‘fly high’ at VMI for FHS senior Taylor
A U.S. Navy representative, left, presents FHS senior Conner Taylor with a symbolic check representing his NROTC college scholarship totaling $180,000 during FHS Department and Senior Recognition Awards Ceremony in FHS’s Vickie B. Wells Auditorium Tuesday, April 30.
The country’s first state-supported military college was Conner’s first choice, and the award promises a total of $180,000, covering tuition, uniforms, books and fees.
“I can honestly say this is a huge opportunity, and I am so fortunate,” he said. “The military gives you so many choices, no matter the field, and gives you the opportunity to serve your country while pursuing your passions. I can’t wait.”
Even though he was not a member of the school’s NJROTC, the scholarship is open to any student wishing to apply, and is awarded based on academic record, teacher recommendations, leadership, physical fitness and volunteer projects.
Academically, he was off the charts, racking up a 4.4 grade-point average in his 32 high school classes, including 22 honors/AP courses.
“Conner is one of my hardest working and easy to relate to honors level mathematics students,” said Angela Buckman, one of Taylor’s teachers at FHS, noting he was in his fourth year of honors level math courses.
“... Conner does not just sign up for something to put it on his transcript; he finds what interests him and then he gives his full heart and soul to the task,” Buckman added. “He is one of the most well balanced students we have here at Farragut High.”
Taylor will be studying mechanical engineering as an undergraduate, then once he graduates from VMI will receive a Navy commission with a requirement to serve at least five years.
“I love to sail and be on the water,” he said. “Being a Navy pilot will give me the opportunity to combine all the things I want to do — fly, sail, travel and serve my country.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to do it all,” Taylor added. “... Being a Navy pilot will allow me to go, see and do things I always hoped to do.”
Most importantly, it will give Conner the foundation to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.
Conner said he realized during high school he wanted to fly, but was unsure about how to make his goal a reality.
He considered attending a non-military school, but discovered it would offer no guarantee of a job, and it would be difficult and expensive to obtain a pilot’s license, even if he studied at a non-military university or college.
In his search to become a pilot, Conner started learning about all the possibilities the military had to offer, and said his desire to chose that path grew as he learned of all the available options.
Conner’s own father, Cris, has a military background, having served active duty Army for 12 years and nine years in the Naval reserves.
His grandparents had military service, too, and, while those factors may have played a part, ultimately, the decision was all Conner’s.
“We were very encouraging and excited about it, but we did not push it,” said Carol.
An Eagle Scout by age 14, the move seems a logical progression, as Conner has long taken service to heart. He has continued working with the Boy Scouts, serving at Camp Buck Toms as a sailing instructor/lifeguard, works with the Sonshine Ministry at First Baptist Concord, and has also been active with the Concord Yacht Club’s outreach programs, among many of his activities.
Conner also plays the saxophone, participating in the FHS Marching Admirals band before being named a drum major his junior and senior years and performing with the school’s Jazz group.
He is also a member of the National Honor Society.
“He really is a born leader,” his mother added. “We are so very proud of him. This [opportunity] is so much more than I ever dreamed of.”
