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Rotarian for Life
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: September - 2022
For Highlands Rotarian Derek Taylor, serving his community is simply part of his DNA.
Derek Taylor comes by his love of community servicenaturally. He grew up in Highlands, is a graduate ofHighlands School, and became a Rotarian in 1993.“I followed in my father’s (Jack Taylor) footsteps. He wasvery involved in the community of Highlands. In fact, I canremember from the time I was seven years old that my parentsand all the adults I was around were involved and volunteeringin some capacity, especially when it had to do with the youth ofthe area.”He added, “Seeing that sense of community concern modeledfor me stuck. And I always wanted to give back somehow.”Taylor, who owns Highlands Decorating Center, determined 10years ago that the town’s gymnasium needed repair.“We (Rotary Club of Highlands members) had talked aboutfixing it up, so the Twilight 5K Race (held annually in mid-August) became the impetus for raising the money neededto renovate the gym. We were the catalyst, but the Town ofHighlands also came in to support the project financially.”That was a decade ago, and Taylor said the event has grown.Typically, at least before the pandemic, 300 people entered theTwilight 5K. He expects attendance to be “back to normal” asthe pandemic becomes a factor of the past. The race alwaysstarts at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park and is touted for the wholefamily due to its appeal to everyone from serious runners toparents pushing baby strollers to elderly walkers. The goal is tobe active and to raise funds for a good cause.Renovation of the gym was the fundraiser’s initial project, butcurrently Rotarians target other education and youth-relatedneeds in Highlands.“This community wrapped around me when I was growing upand that made a difference,” said Taylor. “I have a 14-year-oldand a 4-year-old, and I know that this is a community that willcare about them as well.”And his children are seeing him, and his wife, Irina, whoowns Highlands Kids, working hand in hand with other civicorganizations and churches to make sure Highlands continuesto assist children and youth efforts.Taylor pointed out that he has been impressed with the numberof not just full-time but also seasonal residents who are activeas Rotarians. “We are working together on various projects forthe betterment of our community.”
by Deena Bouknight
