Students learn from numerous teachers throughout their educational journey. It is no surprise that some teachers can make a huge impact on their students’ lives. Taylor McKenzie has enjoyed learning from a lot of her teachers, but has one that has really had an influence on her.

“My AP US History teacher, coach Zach Birth, is a teacher that has made a difference in my life,” she said. “This is my second year being in his class, and he is undoubtedly one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a passion for history that carries over to his lectures, and he speaks in a captivating manner that makes me truly retain information. He is also very focused on teaching his students to be good people. We watch On The Road videos every day at the beginning of class, and he sets up lots of opportunities for his students to give back to our community. He truly cares about his students, which is a very valuable quality.”

Taylor is a junior at Ardmore High School, where she is a member of the golf, pom, and competitive dance teams. Outside of sports, she is also involved in the Student Council, Leaflets, BancFirst Student Board, Book Club, National Honor Society, Theatre, SC Dance Company, and ACE Program.

Being involved in multiple clubs and activities can make for a busy schedule. But McKenzie has found a way to make it all work.

“In order to balance all of my stuff, I use an event planner,” she said. “I have always been very involved in various activities, so it has become easy over the years to compartmentalize each different program. The most difficult thing for me to manage is remembering when and where I have to be. Each week’s schedule is often different.”

Being able to wear the Ardmore uniform is not something that Taylor takes for granted.

“I have a lot of pride to be able to represent my school,” she said. “To be able to go out and show people who we are as a team, school, and community is really special to me. It’s an incentive to always lead with my best foot forward.”