Meet Taylor Ross ...
School: Abington Heights High School
Parents: Mark and Linda Ross
Plans: To study biochemistry and biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Taylor Ross is a proven athletic and academic success. Any free time she has is divided between the two R's: Reading and running. She lettered four years in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. Taylor's crowning running achievement so far was in 2012, when she was District 2 champion in cross country, leading her team to victory. The prior year she finished second. The experience gave her leadership skills, as she was captain of all the teams she's been on. One of her inspirations is '70s-era runner Steve Prefontaine.
"His dedication and determination led to his incredible successes in track, and I try to emulate those same values in all areas of my life," Taylor said. "He made no excuses."
She most certainly applies those principals to academics. A National Merit Commended Student and Advanced Placement Scholar with honors, she was part of the Odyssey of the Mind team that took 5th place at the World's Competition in 2009.
Taylor also plays violin and has participated in two district festivals.
Studying life and molecular science at University of Pennsylvania, she hopes to do medical research and "make a difference in the world."