Marion High School Alumni Association congratulates this year’s winners of the Jason Taylor Family Scholarship: Kyliegh Yeakle, Zachary Hehle, and Lautusi Jackson, all members of Marion High School’s Class of 2025.
This scholarship assists students in overcoming obstacles to reach for their dreams. In total, $10,000 was awarded this year.
The Jason Taylor Family Spark Fund was established in 2022 by Jason Taylor, a 1992 graduate of MHS. Though previous awards have been given out of the Spark Fund, 2024 is the first year for the Jason Taylor Family Scholarship.
Kyliegh Yeakle, $5,000 scholarship winner
Kyliegh is president of the Class of 2025, president of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society), and member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. She is also a member of Key Club, M-Club, and jazz band, and she is an AP Ambassador.
She is a one-year soccer player and and a three-year member of the track and field team.
Kyliegh plans to attend Indiana University – Indianapolis to study medical imaging technology, specializing in MRI.
“My experience at Marion has taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and collaboration,” Kyliegh said. “I am committed to turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.”
Kyliegh is also a recipient of another scholarship facilitated by the Marion High School Alumni Association: the Kerry Clevenger Athletics Scholarship.She was also selected for a Grant County Sports Hall of Fame scholarship, which was announced during the MHSAA’s scholarship awards.
Zachary Hehle, $2,500 scholarship winner
Zachary is a member of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society) and the Tabletop Gaming Club. He has played on the MHS golf team and performed on stage with the MHS Drama Club.
He has earned the AP Scholar designation, for which a student needs to earn scores of 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement exams. A score of 3 designates the student as “qualified” and capable of doing the work of an introductory-level course in a particular subject at college, and many colleges and universities grant credit and placement for scores of 3, 4, or 5.
Zachary plans to attend Purdue University with a goal of obtaining his doctorate in pharmacology. “My experience at Marion has taught me how to work as part of a team, how to prepare for challenges effectively, and to persevere no matter what happens,” he said.
Lautusi is an officer in Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, part of the leadership team of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and, and the Student Advisory Council, and is a member of Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society), Black History Club, Key Club, and the Best Buddies program.
“Marion High School taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance and it has laid a strong foundation for success, even in the face of adversity,” he said.
He was a member of the varsity basketball, football, and cross country teams. He has volunteered with the Grant County Boys and Girls Club and as a referee with Marion Youth Sports.
Lautusi plans to attend Indiana University – Bloomington to study computer science. He has previously participated in IU’s Jim Holland summer enrichment, science research, and STEM education programs.
“Growing up, I lacked role models in STEM who share my background, which has fueled my determination to create change in this field,” he said.
Lautusi is also a recipient of another scholarship facilitated by the Marion High School Alumni Association: the Keller Family Science Scholarship.
Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Marion High School Alumni Association is grateful for our collaborative relationship with Marion Community Schools and the community, which enables us to help provide excellent opportunities for Marion students!
If you would like to give to the Jason Taylor Family Scholarship / Spark Fund, you can do so online here.