Taylor Ott, was crowned Homecoming Queen when she picked a box filled with her prize. “My initial thought [upon seeing the card] was that there was no way that I actually got the box with the card in it- I was shocked,” said Ott.
Along with winning the competition, Ott was involved in multiple other activities during Homecoming.
“Some of the preparations I made for Homecoming were making sure I had my jersey cleaned and ready for the soccer game, getting all of my stuff for marching band together and helping with the carnival, and having my outfit ready for the football game […],” says Ott.
In addition to having to prepare to be on the field during the crowning ceremony, Ott also had to prepare to help lead the band on the field to play their “Past, Present, and Future” show.
“When waiting for the ceremony I was pretty distracted. I was focused on band and making sure I knew what I was doing when we had to walk across the field,” says Ott.
She also stated that, in spite of how much work she dedicated to the band that, she still thought that the being in the band made the experience all the more sweet.
“My commitments to the marching band I think made the experience even better. I got to be on the field, still involved in the band while wearing the crown and dress. I think that also helped to show just how many people we have in our marching band that are involved in other sports and activities, showing you can do both,” says Ott.
Along with working with the band to help with their carnival and with the show, Ott also competed for the girl’s soccer team, which won their match 12-0 against Nativity with a forfeiture after the first half Saturday afternoon. Taylor said that she is fully involved and dedicated to the program.
“My role on the soccer team is as one of three captains and as the varsity starting goalkeeper. I am 100% committed to my team, making sure to give everything I have at practices and games to help our team succeed. I put in time, energy, and so much work to be able to do the best I can for my teammates,” says Ott.
Ott balances extracurricular life with a sizable course load. She takes multiple Advanced Placement classes, and has to maintain a high grade point average in order to maintain her role as the National Honor Society president. She states that her courses do not particularly impact her in-school activities, but do influences other factors in her personal life.
“My classes right now are pretty much the opposite of the easy schedule I had in mind for senior year. I am taking multiple Advanced Placement courses. This does not really impact my other activities. It mainly takes time from my sleep schedule. It’s hard to balance homework, having to stay up to finish work after a late soccer game when you have school the next morning. I try my best to keep my grades up while still being able to get enough sleep,” says Ott.
Ott maintains a commitment to her local community and does acts of community service in order to assist the people around her. As the aforementioned National Honor Society president, Ott has to maintain a workload of volunteering in order to maintain her position.
“I try to take part in community service whenever I can, which is not very often in the fall. I am the NHS president this year so I am going to be helping to plan more community service opportunities for later in the school year,” says Ott.
Ott has many aspirations for success and achievement after high school. She plans to continue her education, and has a major that she would like to continue working towards throughout her post-secondary career.
“For the future I would like to attend college to get a degree in Biology and then most likely continue my schooling in a more specific field. I don’t know where I’ll be eight years from now but I hope I am happy wherever I’m at,” says Ott.