Though former teacher Don Taylor died of cancer last August, his energy was felt at the Cherry Creek PREP graduation celebration on May 15.

Part of Taylor's family, his wife Machelle, and three of his eight children were in attendance to meet Lauren Naulls, the young woman who won a scholarship established in Taylor's memory.

Although Machelle's eyes were watery, she smiled as graduate Naulls thanked the family and the school for the $1,000 scholarship she received in Taylor's name. She plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado to become a teacher, like Taylor.

"I want to find students like myself and the others I have met here at PREP and give them a second chance," Naulls said. "I want to be a teacher like those I have found at PREP, someone who can be trusted and confided in, someone who has a child's best interest at heart, someone who believes in others."

The PREP program is an alternative high school completion opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students in the Cherry Creek School District who have been unsuccessful in the traditional school setting.

Don Taylor first became a part of PREP as a security specialist. But he'd always wanted to teach, so he earned his certification and taught health at the school.

"Don had a special gift," said his friend and colleague PREP teacher Joe Silipo. "If you were having a bad day - he made it good. If you were having a good day - he made it better."

Silipo said Taylor was a perfect fit for the program. He balanced teaching the students the curriculum while connecting with them emotionally. "He'd offer that pat on the back - the kind of caring that kids really need," Silipo said.

PREP's current students never met Taylor, but they contributed to the scholarship fund, as did staff, parents and the larger Cherry Creek School District community. Upon Don's passing, the Prep community wanted to see Taylor's spirit memorialized by awarding his scholarship to a student who also showed a special gift and exemplified the opportunity for a second chance.

"PREP was my second chance, my second life, and I am so grateful for it," Naulls said. "This scholarship will help to give others what has been given to me."

If you would like to donate to the Don Taylor Scholarship for 2009, please contact PREP at 720-886-7200.