Bellaire Public Schools

'Tis the season to give gifts, and a very “gifted” young lady is Miss Taylor Bellenbaum: December Rotary Student of the Month. Taylor, daughter of Dan and Cindy Bellenbaum, is an exemplary student, athlete, and  individual. With a grade point average of 3.753, Taylor’s academic prowess is evident. This led her to being selected into the Bellaire chapter of the National Honor Society her junior year, and she holds the position of chapter vice president.

Taylor sets the bar high in her extra-curricular activities as well. As a member of the Bellaire Cheer Team for the past four years, she has been crucial to the team’s success during both football and competitive cheer seasons: serving as captain for both. Taylor’s honors and awards with cheerleading are numerous; including being selected as a Ski Valley Champion for three years, and MHSAA Competitive Cheer All State Academic team member. As a senior, she is one of the two nominees from BHS for the MHSAA Scholar/Athlete Award. Yet, with all these accolades, she feels her biggest role in cheering is her association with the younger girls, especially the Pop Warner cheerleaders who look up to her as a role model. You’ll also see Taylor, proudly standing on the 50-yard line or at center court, honoring America with the singing of our National Anthem. She completely immerses herself in the the meaning of the song: patriotism, pride, honor, and especially freedom. This was most evident recently when Taylor sang The Star Spangled Banner at the 2009 Veterans Assembly, bringing many in the auditorium to tears.

Being on stage brings out the best in Taylor. Tootin’ her horn, her trombone to be exact, is another area of expertise. She is a member of the marching, concert, and jazz bands, and she was recently selected to the 2009 Honors Band. She has won two Bellaire Idol titles and she will soon be starring in the upcoming school play. Taylor’s future plans include attending Northwestern Michigan College for two years before transferring to a university to continue studying her interests in science and engineering. Thank you, Taylor, for sharing your talents with us. You truly are a “gifted” person. Congratulations on your outstanding academics, leadership, character, and service.