In her last semester at Humboldt High, 18-year-old Taylor Beeman has her sights set on the University of Kansas next fall to pursue a major in graphic design, with a minor in communications.
Im so excited, I dont know how to describe it, Taylor gushed, during an interview in the legendary second-floor den, home to the schools journalism program.
Beeman is part of a tradition of HHS students winning dozens of state championships in newspaper and yearbook competitions.
All that winning started in 1973 under the tutelage of Allen Wilhites which never abated when Kim Isbell took the reins in 2005.
The departments aura first took hold of Taylor her freshman year.
During middle school she became intrigued with science, and let her childhood aspiration of being an artist slip into the background.
Two events changed her mind.
As a freshman, I took a science class, which wasnt all she thought it would be. She also enrolled in an introductory class in journalism.
Taylor was smitten by instructor Isbells enthusiasm and encouragement. This year she spends her school days in classes that continue to enhance her photography and storytelling skills.
I love to take photos, Taylor said, which led to a significant honor last year in a national photography competition where she placed fifth among 300 competitors. Her entry was a photo essay that illustrated the Cubs football program and the enthusiasm it generated among the Taylor sister, Kasey, also influenced her decision to pursue communications.
Kasey is a graphic designer at the Bass Pro headquarters in Springfield.
Taylor has her sights set even higher.
I want to be a graphic designer for Google, she said. If I could do that, I would be the happiest person in the world.
Taylor also is realistic.
I know I probably wont be able to work for Google right out of KU, she said, and is willing to work her way up.
When deciding a university, Taylor also considered Pittsburg State.
