Taylor receives 2024 Merit Scholarship from bankers

Maggie Taylor, a 2024 senior at Neshoba Central High School, has been selected as the 2024 Merit Scholarship recipient by the Mississippi Bankers Association Education Foundation and the Mississippi Young Bankers.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and to represent Neshoba County,” Taylor said. “It’s a prestigious recognition, and I’m proud of it.”

Taylor was chosen from applicants across Mississippi to receive the $1,500 scholarship, which is given annually to a high school senior whose parent and/or guardian is an employee of an MBA member bank. 

Her father, Mark Taylor, is employed at The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, and her mother, Amy Taylor, is an attorney and a Municipal Court Judge in Philadelphia. 

“I feel like I made my dad proud,” she said. “I’m glad that we can connect over this scholarship and that I had to opportunity to apply because he works at the bank. It was really awesome to connect with him in that way.”

Taylor plans to attend the University of Mississippi in the fall and obtain a degree in biology with a minor in environmental science and eventually pursue a career in the field of environmental science. 

“I’ve always liked science and nature,” Taylor said. “The two just kind of go together, so I figured I’d try my hand out in environmental science and see if I can protect our wildlife. I think Mississippi has a unique landscape, so I want to stay here and help preserve that.”

Taylor said she is also eager to be reuniting with her sister, Emma, who currently attends Ole Miss and is looking forward to being in a new environment and making new friends along the way. 

Taylor’s high school involvement extends beyond academics, as she actively participates in various extracurricular activities, including varsity soccer, student council, and the speech and debate club.

“Through these activities, I have gained so many friends, so much confidence in myself, and a lot of leadership skills,” she said. “Learning how to communicate with others and learning how to compromise are skills that will help in my professional life.”

She added, “It takes a lot of organization and time management, and I pride myself in that,” Taylor said. “It’s hard to balance school and extracurriculars, but I really try to stay organized, on top of my game, and not let things get behind me.”

Taylor is also active in the community through the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, the Holy Cross Catholic Church Youth Organization, and the National Federation of Music club. 

“There’s an element of discipline involved in those activities,” Taylor said. “It’s allowed me to be involved in my community and to see more. So many opportunities have come, because of it.”

Among her many honors and accolades, Taylor was named as Neshoba Central’s Star Student this year, served as the Leadership Neshoba Class President, holds the position of NCHS Student Body Vice President, is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, and was selected as a top ten finalist in the State Distinguished Young Woman Program in 2023.