One Teacher’s Memories I first got to know Zach Taylor while teaching a Character Education class at Grand County Middle School in about 2006. From the first moment of being around Zach, I got the distinct feeling that my idea of Character Education (Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Individuality) was not the same idea that Zach had about the class. You see, most of the Character traits that I was talking about were already inbred in Zach’s DNA. The only thing that seemed to even remotely interest Zach in the class was the Individuality trait, which he quickly used to show me his meaning of “Character” and boy was this kid a character and an individual. His infectious smile and whit added to his charm. As has been my style, throughout my teaching career, I simply stepped back and instructed those who needed the other character traits and allowed Zach’s free spirit to show me and the class his ideas. I learned immeasurable things during that time, the most important of which was how the Taylor ways ran thick through Zach, as did his love of family. The Taylor Clan is the epitome of the original Moab family. Their legacy and stories are documented in their family run newspaper and on the Manti LaSal cattle ranch. The Taylors are the blood that runs through the heart of Moab, like the Colorado River and the red rock majesties. Another thing that rang very clear to me was Zach’s love and admiration of his older brother Zane. I recognized that from having been raised a younger brother of an All American high school football star and a member of an undefeated college football team. I watched Zach’s feelings with the same eyes I had seen in myself. I also watched his ability to grow up and be himself and that is what Zach did. This free spirit was blazing his own trail and I’m sure he will continue to do so. Now let’s fast forward to my moving to teaching at the high school. At the high school, I only got to see Zach in the hallways and on the football field but his charisma was evident as he fostered and formed many lasting friendships. The character portion had not changed and his continued love of family and admiration of Zane and his dad Tom remained evident. Zach was more than willing to share his ideas with many and I recently read on the social network how at least one student said he knew that Zach always had his back. As I saw it, Zach had everyone’s back and would be there, if needed, no questions asked. He was a friend, confidant, leader and comedic relief. The kid was the real thing and with that individuality, character and zeal he exited Grand County High School as a Super Hero, literally, in full array, fully masked, fully dynamic, fully Zach, a site that won’t ever be forgotten, especially, I would say, by his brother Zane who was the key speaker at commencement that year 2011. I know that at least two Castle Valleyites had a laugh at the post office boxes this Tuesday about the Super Hero’s graduation group and the free spirit of Zach. You know, I wish there were someone amongst us that could logically give any of us the reason why someone so young, so full of promise, so loving, would be taken from us so suddenly. The speculations are vast but the answers of why are not. My answer is to remember the gifted free spirit named Zach Taylor with respect and honor from having known him. My thoughts are with Zach’s family and extended family and all those whose life he touched. A big burst of love goes out to my friends Tom and his brother Zane whose friendship has meant so much. Boyd
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 21:39:10 +0000