EARLY – More than 100 people gathered in front of the Early Elementary School Tuesday afternoon as the Keith Taylor Memorial was unveiled.
Taylor, who passed away on June 30, 2020 at the age of 65, worked for the Early ISD for more than 20 years. Taylor was a passionate fourth-grade teacher prior to his retirement and later was heavily involved with the robotics program and drove the bus for several out of town extracurricular events.
The brainchild of the Early Community Future Problem Solvers and constructed by Josh Daignault, the memorial consists of a telescope on a tripod sitting on three stars. Also included was a plaque that reads “Keith Taylor taught us to reach for the stars,” along with a quote from Albert Einstein, “Numerous are the academic professors, but rare are wise and noble teachers.” 2 Corinthians 12; 9-10 is also included on the plaque that rests below the telescope.
“Our organization is the Early Community Problem Solving program and what we do is find a problem in our community and find a way to solve that problem,” Aaron Callaway said on behalf of the Early Community Problem Solvers. “We create solutions in order to sustainably solve the problem. This year for our project, after Mr. Taylor passed away last summer, we wanted to do something to commemorate him and carry on his legacy. We were able to create this memorial to symbolize what he was all about and carry on his legacy for generations to come. We’d like to give a huge thank you to Mr. Josh Daignault for making our vision come to life by welding this memorial for us.”
Other Early CPS members include Calvin Clubb, Sidney Becktold, Andie Tidwell, Cooper Neel, Asher Callaway, Seth LaRue, Tristan Rasor, Korbin Barr, and Ty McConn. Diann Biddle teaches the the CPS students.
Becktold read a proclamation from Early Mayor Robert Mangrum in which Tuesday, May 4, 2021 was declared Keith Taylor Day. Tidwell then read the dedication as the memorial was unveiled to the public.
Early Elementary School Principal Sharon Watson served as the guest speaker and shared memories of Taylor’s contributions.
“What a very special teacher, leader, co-worker, and friend he was to Early Elementary,” Watson said as she wiped back tears. “He was a huge presence in his church, in his community, and to all who knew him. He was loved and he is missed. Thank you the Community Problem Solvers for making this such a special memorial to honor and give tribute to Keith Taylor.”
Watson added that Taylor’s love for the Star Wars movie franchise made the May the Fourth dedication date all the more fitting.
Before the ceremony concluded, the Early Future Problem Solvers presented a check for $1,337.34 to the Taylor family to be used for the James Keith Taylor Scholarship.
For more on the Early Future Problem Solvers thoughts on Taylor and the memorial, revisit our story from Feb. 3.
