Taylor Elementary Brick Project Funds Scholarship (July, 2007)

The 2006-2007 school year represented the inaugural year for both Portia Ross Taylor Elementary School and its PTA. Under the direction of Principal Tanya Hall and PTA President Kellie Anderson, the school and PTA worked together to set a tone for achieving the school motto “Reach High, Go Far, Think Smart”.

One project that embodies this motto was establishing a scholarship fund through the Frisco Education Foundation.  PTA Vice President of Ways and Means, Jennifer Nolden, was responsible for coordinating this project by raising funds through the sale of personalized bricks as well as designing and overseeing construction of an outdoor classroom.  It is located in the courtyard outside the school library. The design allowed for a 30 foot curved brick bench, topped with a limestone cap.  A granite plaque describing the project provides ongoing awareness of the scholarship for all current and future Taylor students.  In its first year, Taylor had approximately 275 families represented at the school of which 135 purchased engraved bricks.  These bricks sold for $50 for a 4x8 brick, $75 for an 8x8 brick and $100 for a 12x12 brick.  All 21 classes raised money to donate a brick in honor of their teacher.  This allowed for the entire student body of Taylor to be represented in the project, even if they did not purchase an individual brick. After expenses, the PTA was able to present a check for $2000 to the Frisco Education Foundation to initiate an endowment for the Taylor Scholarship Fund. 

All former Taylor students will be encouraged to apply for this $1000 scholarship their Senior Year in High School.  The first $1000 scholarship will be awarded in 2014.  The PTA by-laws were updated in May to reflect ongoing support of this project by designating 5% of future fundraising proceeds to the endowment.  Once the endowment reaches $20,000, the scholarship will fund itself.  For those interested in donating a tax-deductible gift directly to the endowment, please contact Jennifer Nolden c/o Taylor Elementary 9865 Gillespie Drive Plano, TX 75025