The Taylor LEAD Foundation Names 14 Recipients of the 2026 Alice & Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship
For Immediate Release
The Taylor LEAD Foundation Names 14 Recipients of the 2026 Alice & Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship
Idaho student-athletes selected from a pool of 72 applicants through a community-informed review process; $17,000 awarded
Interest
$17,000 awarded across 12 Idaho high schools
BOISE, IDAHO — July 14, 2026 — The Taylor LEAD Foundation is excited to announce 14 recipients of the 2026 Alice & Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship, awarding a combined $17,000 to Idaho student-athletes who embody Leadership, Educational excellence, Athletic achievement, and Distinguished community service — the four pillars behind the foundation.
This year's applicant pool reflected the growing reach of the program, with 72 student-athletes expressing interest, 35 semifinalists submitting complete applications, and 23 finalists advancing for deeper committee consideration before 14 recipients were ultimately selected. Recipients were selected through a rigorous, community-informed process led by a Scholarship Committee of teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, and other regional leaders.
“Receiving the Alice and Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship is a great honor and it shows that my grit, determination, and hard work paid off. Earning this scholarship means that I showed the LEAD values and portrayed the characteristics Alice and Charles Taylor embodied, which is something I am incredibly proud of.”
Claire MatthewsWeiser HS → George Fox University, where she will run Cross-Country and Track & Field
The group of 9 girls and 5 boys showcases a depth of character, leadership, and purpose. The recipients represent 12 different Idaho high schools and will attend colleges including the College of Idaho, Boise State University, the University of Idaho, George Fox University, Ohio State University, Brigham Young University, and others. The $17,000 total includes $6,000 awarded to three recipients from Mountain Home.
“This year's class of Taylor Scholars is an extraordinary group of young leaders. They are thoughtful, service-minded, and deeply aligned with the LEAD values of leadership, educational excellence, athletic achievement, and distinguished community service. We were inspired not only by what they have accomplished, but by the way they embody the qualities that Alice and Charles Taylor both exhibited and intentionally encouraged in others—character, resilience, humility, service, and a commitment to excellence.”
Gary TaylorCo-Founder, Vice President of the Board, and Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee
Meet the 2026 Taylor Scholars
Paisley Beck
Burley HS → Brigham Young University–Idaho, Special Education
“I hope to be a mentor for someone, a person they can look up to.”
Julianna Donez
Mountain Home HS → Walla Walla Community College, Physical Therapy
“Whether it's early practices, late games, or off-season training, I've remained committed to giving my best effort.”
Cylie Fagan
Mountain Home HS → The Ohio State University, Nursing
“No game, test score, or label can define you. You are who you make yourself into.”
Ruthanne Fischer
Nampa HS → Wheaton College (IL), Biology
“Receiving this scholarship feels like getting a prize after winning a race you thought no one was watching.”
Owen Hatfield
Council HS → TBD, Business Management
“I am a warrior on the field who leads by example and never takes a play off.”
Ellie Helmer
Jerome HS → University of Idaho, Accounting
“The people who stay committed and push through challenges are the ones who succeed.”
Malia Kent
Richfield HS → Brigham Young University–Idaho, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences
“If a little town girl can do it, so can they.”
Claire Matthews
Weiser HS → George Fox University, Civil Engineering
“Growing up in a small town taught me to give back, lead by example, and never give up.”
Brayden McCullough
Mountain Home HS → The College of Idaho, Accounting
“This scholarship recognizes athletes who go beyond the standard to lead as an athlete and a person.”
Heidi McMillan
Boise HS → Oregon State University, Biohealth Sciences & Mathematics
“It's encouraging to know that others believe in my potential and are investing in my future.”
Chase Norman
Dietrich HS → Brigham Young University, Cybersecurity
“Success doesn't come from talent alone; it comes from hard work, consistency, and a willingness to learn.”
Paisley Prow
Rimrock Jr/Sr HS → Boise State University, Radiology
“You are stronger than you think you are, and remember to have fun.”
Christian Waitley
Canyon Ridge HS → Spokane Falls Community College, Pre-Medicine
“Leadership isn't about recognition — it's about preparation, composure, and elevating those around me.”
Yuxuan Wang
Bishop Kelly HS → University of California, Irvine, Business Administration
“Leadership is not just being visible under the spotlight, but listening, following through, and doing the work when no one is watching.”
About the Taylor LEAD Foundation
The Taylor LEAD Foundation is dedicated to empowering the next generation through leadership, education, athletics, and development. Through initiatives like iWIN Sports, the foundation creates pathways for young people—especially girls and women—to reach their full potential on and off the field.
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