Voices Ringing
Carroll High School Blog
Meet Isaiah Taylor '14: Leading a Diverse Future for STEM Research
“Stand on the shoulders of giants” is a common phrase to anyone who is preparing to defend research or a thesis to earn an advanced degree. For Isaiah Taylor ‘14, that type of foundational support extends beyond his doctoral studies and into the future of the next generation of learners from underrepresented backgrounds.
Taylor researches the effects of microgravity on bone cells, working towards a PhD in molecular and cellular pharmacology at Stony Brook University. In addition to the challenges of conducting advanced research and maintaining a work/life balance, Taylor is one of the leading voices for diversity and inclusion on campus. Stony Brook’s most recent report says that approximately 12% of all of its students are African American, and Taylor says he is the only one in his PhD program.
As president of Stony Brook’s Black Graduate Student Organization, Taylor leads the way in rebuilding the group’s impact on campus as it relaunched this past fall after the COVID-19 pandemic derailed much of campus life. He also works part-time for the DICE (Diversity, Intercultural and Community Engagement) Program in Stony Brook’s Division of Student Affairs. According to their website, DICE’s mission is to “provide programs to maintain an all-inclusive campus community where diversity is valued and celebrated, and where a positive campus climate is promoted. The office helps to foster a campus environment that is welcoming, nurturing, and supportive for all members of the university.” Taylor also served as peer mentor in the Office of Multicultural Affairs as an undergraduate at the University of Dayton.
Building relationships and providing an example for young learners of all races is of the utmost importance to Taylor after experiencing the impact a mentor can have.
“About two summers ago, I got to participate in this program called Scientists in Mentoring. It was a diverse and inclusive program, and I got a mentor from Johnson & Johnson who told me about her path. She helped me figure out where I want to go after graduation. That program helped me realize that no matter where I’m working, I still want to be involved in some sort of diversity and inclusion program. There should be more people of color in graduate schools and professional schools. It’s very important for development starting from a young age. A lot of schools are predominately white institutions, so having representation is important because kids now and in college want to see an example. If there is no representation in these roles, maybe they get discouraged or have impostor syndrome. It’s important for us growing up and even in college to see other people do it.”
Providing opportunities to build a network of peers can lighten the burden of managing difficult classes, long days of experiments and research in the labs, and the stresses of daily life. Taylor says his time playing sports and participating in clubs as a student at Carroll provided him with a sense of belonging as a teenager and provided a sense of belonging in the community. Taylor also carries the academic and spiritual foundations of a Carroll education with him to this day. He credits his difficult course load from high school with giving him an edge once he arrived in college. His faith is reflected in the work he does outside the research labs to bring about positive change and a more just society. Ensuring that diversity and representation are present in daily life are critical pillars of Catholic Social Teaching, and Taylor says that all institutions, including the church, must continue progressing with those values at the forefront of their missions.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 Edition of Reflections. Click here to read the rest of the publication.
Sky Londergan '25: Student of the Week March 17, 2024
Sky Londergan ‘25, Gonzaga House and St. Luke School alum, with Ms. Gretchen Obergefell ’19
Sky shows exemplary character both in the classroom and behind the stage. Sky gets right to work sweeping the bleachers, moving chairs, cleaning up trash, putting supplies away, and looks around and finds what needs to be completed and does it without having to ask an adult leader what needs to be done. Most people would note that all of this help is way above and beyond the job description of “stage manager,” extending responsibilities outside the stage itself by cleaning up the gym and cafeteria after performances.
Favorite Restaurant:
All the Best Deli
Favorite Movie:
Coraline
Who would play you in a movie?:
Mr. Bobinsky
Place you'd love to travel:
Utah
What activities do you participate in?
I participate in Drama Club, Muse Machine, and Latin Club
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part about being a student at Carroll are the after school opportunities, Drama Club, and the willingness of the teachers to share stories and life advice with students.
What Should school “do” for you?
School should teach students how to problem solve and create strong educational foundations that students can use to make intelligent choices in their day to day lives. Along with that, school should offer well-rounded opportunities that encourage students to do something that fits their needs and interests.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
A lesson I’ve learned after overcoming a difficult obstacle is that as long as you take away something and learn how you can improve it next time, every obstacle is a great opportunity. After every difficult obstacle, you have to go back and pick out something you can improve on, and then execute that into the next thing you do.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
My biggest dream in life is to be dedicated and enjoy what I pursue after high school.
How do you like spending your free time?
I like spending my free time at stage crew, hanging out with friends, and listening to music.
Zach Tipps '25: Student of the Week March 7, 2024
Zach Tipps '25, Trinity House member and St. Helen School Alumnus, with Mrs. Nicole Druck
Zach is always making sure others around him feel included. He always has a smile and is friendly to everyone. Zach always invites one of our lunchroom workers with special needs to sit with his friends at lunch and includes her in their conversations.
-Mrs. Nicole Druck
Favorite Restaurant:
Chipotle
Favorite Movie:
Field of Dreams
Who would play you in a movie?
The Rock
Place you'd love to travel:
Alaska
What activities do you participate in?
I participate in golf, basketball, and baseball.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
My favorite part of being a student at Carroll is the community around the school and the opportunities the school provides for us students.
What should school “do” for you?
School should help support my needs and challenge me to do my best.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
To keep persevering when things get tough.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
To live a great life and to be happy no matter what.
How do you like spending your free time?
Golfing with friends and meeting new people.
Addison Linard '25: Student of the Week February 22, 2024
Student of the Week Addison Linard '25, Baltimore House and St. Helen School Alumna, with Mrs. Acacia Morrell
Addison swam last year, but while participating in Color Guard, she was worried about taking on too much. She helps me as a team manager, and has been a godsend as I do not have an assistant coach. Addison recently told me she is now the Assistant Stage Manager for the musical this spring, too. Addison has done all this with grace even while she has faced some adversity in her life.
-Mrs. Acacia Morrell
Favorite Restaurant:
Olive Garden
Favorite Movie:
Lilo and Stitch
Who would play you in a movie?
Debbie Harry from Blondie
Place you'd love to travel:
Paris
What activities do you participate in?
I am a part of the Color Guard, the Prop Manager and Assistant Stage Manager for the musical, and I the student helper for Mrs. Morrell on the Swim Team.
What's your favorite part of being a student at Carroll?
The welcoming community and all the friends that I’ve made through my years here. I also love the inclusivity and leadership roles available to the students.
What should school “do” for you?
I think that school should teach us how to form life-long skills and friendships. We learn all the basic courses like math and science, but we also learn how to cook and manage our finances. I’ve learned how to form friendships that will last, and the friends that I’ve made have made the biggest impact on my life.
What’s a lesson you learned when you overcame a difficult obstacle?
Don’t keep doing something that you don’t absolutely love. I was on a swim team from a young age until last year, and leaving it was so amazing for my mental health. I am so excited to continue as part of the swim team as a leader while also being able to have a leadership role in the musical and be in the color guard.
What’s your biggest dream in life?
I want to have a future where I’m a famous fashion designer whose designs are shown and admired all around the world.
How do you like spending your free time?
I spend my free time making origami swans and paper flowers. I also love making sketches of all of my fashion designs.
Meet our 2024 National Merit Scholarship Finalists!
Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Finalists from the Class of 2024! Kyle Heilmann ‘24 and David McLoughlin ’24 earned this recognition for their performance on the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test. They are among the 7,140 students in the United States who earned this distinction!
Love you Sky.