Senior Spotlight

TAYLOR ISABEL

“Running is pretty important to me. ” Taylor Isabel is full speed ahead in all aspects of her young life. In addition to being an elite distance runner, Taylor is also a National Merit semifinalist and co-president of Mounds View ’ s National Honor Society. Last year, she earned her NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician) certification through a program at Spring Lake Park High School. Next fall, she will attend the University of Minnesota, where she will study Biomedical Engineering.

When asked about her high school experience, Taylor immediately credited running as a primary influence. Having contributed on varsity since 7th grade, Taylor worked incredibly hard to improve her speed, running up to 45 miles a week. She currently holds school records in girls cross country and track for the fastest 5K, fastest 1600M and fastest 3200M at Mounds View High School. Her record-setting runs took place as a junior when, for the first time, she realized she might have a chance to run for a Division I program. The University of Minnesota confirmed that assumption when they extended an invitation for her to run both Cross Country and Track. She recently signed her letter of intent, and will indeed become a Gopher in September. When asked why she chose U of M Twin Cities over Northeastern and Tulane University, Taylor quickly mentioned her future coach (Sarah Hopkins). “She is awesome. No matter how running goes, I’ll still be valued on the team and be a big part of their program. ” Running isn ’t the only reason Taylor was recruited by the University of Minnesota. She is also academically elite. In addition to earning her NREMT certification, Taylor has passed four Advanced Placement exams (and is taking three more AP classes as a senior), and earned “A’ s ” in two Anoka-Ramsey Community College courses. It is this kind of preparation that helped her achieve scores high enough on the PSAT to qualify as a National Merit semifinalist. When asked what among these academically rigorous experiences she found most challenging, Taylor pointed to the NREMT program. “It challenged me in a different way. I’ ve always been successful academically, but learning to be an EMT is more real world. It requires effective communication and life skills, especially when what you ’ re learning actually matters for saving someone ’ s life one day. ”