Taylor Ragland, a senior at Armuchee High School, is the 2024 Noon Optimist award winner. The Noon Optimist award is granted to exemplary students who are upstanding members of their community. Noon Optimists often set good examples for others and display optimism and leadership skills. In order to win the Noon Optimist award, students must be nominated by their teachers. Taylor Ragland said, “A few things they said contributed to their choice was my willingness to work hard despite challenges and my positive attitude.” Some of her personal strengths include problem solving, leadership, and attention to detail. She said, “I am also very organized, which helps in my academic goals and in everyday life.”
Taylor has lived in Rome her entire life and has been going to Armuchee for the past two years. She enjoys playing volleyball, going to the gym, and spending time with her friends and family. She said, “I would describe myself as a hardworking and ambitious person. I work well with all kinds of people, and I am always eager to learn new things.” Taylor also attributes her motivation and optimism to her faith in God. She said, “My faith encourages me to see that everything in my life is a part of God’s plan and that I will not come across anything I am not able to overcome.”
Winning the Noon Optimist award has helped Taylor feel appreciated and valued within her school and her community. She said, “I feel as though I’ve always done my own thing in school and that it wasn’t a big deal, but this has helped me realize that I have made a positive impact on my community.” Taylor believes that success is directly impacted by one’s effort and attitude. She said, “I would suggest that anyone interested in winning this award should make an effort to form positive relationships with the people around them.”
Taylor wants to pursue a career in nursing, focusing mainly on the Labor and Delivery Unit. In life, she hopes to continue learning new things and having a positive impact on others. She said, “Some goals for my future include getting a degree, finding a good job, and starting a family.” She plans to go to college to receive a Bachelor’s degree. Taylor said, “I plan to attend either Georgia College and State University or Augusta University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.”
Taylor hopes to encourage the people around her to not be afraid of making mistakes. She said, “Always aiming high and being willing to pick yourself up and others up when they fall is the best way to be a light to those around you.” Taylor’s biggest values in life are faith, loyalty, hard work, and community. She said, “I would not be where I am today without those things.”
