Connor Taylor
Connor Taylor was already a student at Appalachian State University when Hurricane Helene struck, flooding his home in Boone and forcing him to live elsewhere while paying for repairs himself. The storm also cost him his job for several months, creating financial and emotional strain as he struggled to keep up with his studies.
“It pushed me to the edge, but it also reminded me why I care so deeply about helping others,” he said.
Now a senior studying biology with a concentration in secondary education, Connor is preparing to become a high school science teacher. He is a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and serves as Head of Staff at Mountain Alliance, a youth development nonprofit. He also volunteers as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting students on the autism spectrum.
The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship from the North Carolina Community Foundation has helped Connor stay on course.
“With this scholarship, I can continue pursuing my passion for education and ensure that my future students receive the high-quality science education they deserve,” Connor said. “In the aftermath of the hurricane, I faced significant financial uncertainty and was concerned about how I would fund my education, especially as I prepare for student teaching in the upcoming year.”
Connor believes this support will help him graduate, become a successful teacher and inspire generations of students to come.
“The storm may have disrupted my plans, but it strengthened my resolve to make a difference. This support helps me succeed as a student today and will have a lasting impact on the students I teach in the future.”
— Connor Taylor, 2025 NCCF Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholar