Posted on Dec 28, 2014 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
Steven Taylor
By Joan Frances –
Hightower High School in Fort Bend Independent School District is home to over 2,292 students. The school’s mission statement is “to inspire and equip our students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine.” Seniors can look back and reflect on their accomplishments and achievements during their four years at Hightower. One senior who looks forward to an exciting future is Steven Taylor.
Steven began playing the trombone in middle school and joined the marching and jazz band as a freshman. This year, he has the highest leadership position of the band program, drum major. For four years, Steven has been a member of the Honors Concert Band with three years as trombone section leader. The marching band is very active in the community, participating in the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Parade, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, Southern University’s Centennial Celebration Parade in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Harris County Precinct 1 Street Olympics and the Fort Bend County Parade.
When asked why he enjoys music so much, Steven said, “Music entertains people and myself. When I was growing up, my dad and I would jam to music in the car like Alicia Keys, Kem and various other artists. Both of my parents love music. My mom is very musical. She sings and plays the trumpet. I love the way chords match up in the song to alter someone’s emotions and how they make you feel. In movies, they use chords to generate emotions like suspense, happiness or anger. Music feels great to me when I play it, sing to it and dance to it.”
Steven Taylor
Steven is also a member of the varsity choir at school. He was bass section leader for two years and performs at school events, as well as in the University Interscholastic League Competition, where he qualified in region for two years. He also sings for The Voices of Genesis Choir at his church and dances with the African Dance Troupe performing cultural dances at local events.
Steven’s preferred subject is math. He enjoys problem solving and the challenge of complex solutions. His favorite teacher is his freshman English teacher, Ashondra Johnson Hernandez. According to Steven, Hernandez makes English fun to learn, keeps it interesting and engages the students in activities to keep them focused. She is always available to help before and after school hours.
Being honest and trustworthy are two important values to Steven. He considers his family and friends paramount in his life. He said, “My family and friends are always there for me, through the good times and the bad. I can trust them to be honest with me, as I am with them.” When he is not busy with school work or band, Steven spends his free time with his friends watching TV and donating his time to community service.
Steven takes most Advanced Placement (AP) classes and is ranked in the top 25 percent of his senior class. He is a student council class representative, involved in several school organizations, assists his teachers with projects and is a part of the drug, alcohol and safety committee. Steven also volunteers at the Houston Humane Society. For the past two years, he worked as a lifeguard and pool manager at Greater Houston Pool Management.
Steven’s goal is to attend college next fall at either Howard University in Washington D.C. or Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas to major in civil engineering and to minor in music. With scholarship offers already coming in, Steven is prepared to take the next step in his successful future. Congratulations on your leadership skills and talent, and good luck as you continue to inspire others with your great sense of humor, dedication and determination.
