The Taylor LEAD Foundation has awarded $17,000 in scholarships to 14 Idaho student athletes, recognizing outstanding academic performance, athletic achievement, leadership, and community service across the state. The Alice & Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship program selected its recipients from a competitive field of 72 applicants representing 12 Idaho high schools.
About the Scholarship Program
Greg, Gary, and Angela Taylor established the scholarship in 2015 to honor Charles and Alice Taylor and support students who embody leadership, educational excellence, and service to their communities. The program reflects the family’s commitment to developing well-rounded young people who balance athletic pursuits with academic rigor and civic engagement.
The scholarship committee, composed of teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, and regional leaders, evaluated applicants based on demonstrated LEAD values—a framework emphasizing character, resilience, and community contribution alongside athletic and academic achievement.
2026 Recipients and Recognition
The 14 recipients selected for the 2026 award year include nine female and five male scholars. Three recipients received combined funding of $6,000, while the remaining 11 recipients shared the balance of the $17,000 total. The scholarship recipients will pursue higher education at colleges both within Idaho and nationally.
Gary Taylor praised the caliber of this year’s class: “This year’s class of Taylor Scholars is an extraordinary group of young leaders. They are thoughtful, service-minded and deeply aligned with the LEAD values.”
One recipient, Claire Matthews, reflected on earning the award: “Earning this scholarship means that I showed the LEAD values and portrayed the characteristics Alice and Charles Taylor embodied, which is something that I’m incredibly proud of.”
Impact on North Idaho Communities
The Taylor LEAD Foundation represents one of several charitable initiatives supporting student achievement across Kootenai County and the broader Panhandle region. The scholarship program reinforces local investment in educational excellence and community leadership—values that align with charitable organizations throughout North Idaho that distribute funding to support student and community development.
The 72 applicants who competed for this year’s scholarships demonstrate sustained interest in the program among Idaho’s high-achieving student-athletes. The competitive selection process ensures that recipients represent the highest standards of academic performance, athletic dedication, and service orientation across the state’s secondary schools.
What Comes Next
The Taylor LEAD Foundation continues to accept applications for future scholarship cycles. Students, families, and educators interested in learning more about the Alice & Charles Taylor Scholar-Athlete LEAD Scholarship can contact the foundation for eligibility requirements and application deadlines for the next award year.