City Personals
Years ago, four people appeared here out of nowhere (transplants, if you will). One set of twins and husbands by their sides. One twin a vet extraordinaire, one a humble albeit phenomenal schoolmarm. One husband worked for FedEx and one a ball coach and a mind for history unlike any other. Little did I know, or anyone else for that matter, what an impact on us all the coach of the foursome would have on our community.
Jason Taylor, a gentle giant. He is a man of few words but let me say when he does speak, it is generally profound. Both of my children were fortunate enough to matriculate under him in history class. Jason is so very passionate about history and I give him all the props in the world for making Grady just as interested in that subject.
Coaches are hard to find and when I say that, I mean coaches who give their sport 110% and pour their hearts and souls into the players both on and off the field. Ones who want their players to succeed not only on the field or court or classroom, but also in life. One who pushes them to become the best version of themselves. Coach Taylor fit that bill for years on end both at Marshall Academy and H.W. Byers molding his players into fine young men.
Great teachers are as elusive as Bigfoot. They are hidden gems amongst dirty rocks. Super rare so once you have one who sets the bar to the heavens, you want to keep them tucked away and hidden from any school that may want to poach them. Coach Taylor was the most well rounded, entertaining, knowledgeable history teacher mine ever had in the classroom. It is not hard to get across what you are teaching when you absolutely love the subject. He did and it showed by students wanting to really dig into history and understand it all. A rarity indeed.
In all of my years here, I have seen many a Headmaster roll through the halls of Marshall Academy. Each brought with him or her their own skill set…some brazen, some not so much. Where one may succeed in one area of the profession, another may have lacked. Two years ago, Marshall Academy named Jason Taylor Head of School. What may seem a daunting role, he has picked up the proverbial baton and run with it.
If you walk the halls of Marshall and asked students what they think of Jason Taylor, there would be a resounding “we love him” from each and every one of them. He makes all of the students feel heard, validated even. He takes his time to listen to concerns, solve problems and get ahead of potential issues.
Each student at Marshall knows that Coach Taylor has their best interest at heart. He does not just think of students when he is in school, he takes them home with him in his heart. He prays for his students. He adores them and they him.
He is an advocate for his staff. He lends an ear when guidance is needed. He is a problem solver, a deep thinker. One who looks at all angles of any situation, good or bad, and helps others to see there are silver linings.
With summer approaching quickly and some who may be exploring educational options for their children in the fall, I can assure you Marshall Academy is unlike any other. Your student would not just be a name, your student would be part of a large family, one that looks after each and every member as if they were blood. It is run by the best there is in Jason Taylor.
His staff mirrors his desire for a great learning environment evened out with good sports programs and extracurriculars. A place to call home. When you graduate, your blood will still and forevermore run blue and red. Happy summer.
Kate Russell Shaw was so excited Coach Jason Taylor asked for a picture with her after Kindergarten graduation. This picture speaks volumes about Coach Taylor’s character…even the smallest of students at Marshall are a big part of his heart.