Highland High Senior Earns Full-Ride to Prestigious Johns Hopkins University

For many high school seniors, their final year is a whirlwind of excitement, but it also comes with the stress of planning for their future. But for Taylor Burrows, a senior at Highland High School, one monumental achievement has lifted a significant weight off her shoulders. In December, Burrows received life-changing news that she was accepted to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

“It was a wonderful Christmas gift,” Burrows said enthusiastically.

But that wasn’t all — she also earned a full-ride, four-year QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship worth over $325,000. This prestigious scholarship not only secures her spot at one of the nation’s top universities but also marks the start of a journey she once thought impossible.

“I was excited because going to a school on the East Coast was never a possibility for me and my family,” she said. “I have always wanted to go to a college on the East Coast, and my dream school for a long time was the University of Pennsylvania.”

During the QuestBridge application process, Taylor ranked 15 partner colleges, selecting schools that aligned with her aspirations. Johns Hopkins stood out to her for its exceptional nursing program.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Burows, her passion evident in her voice. “Nursing has always been something very important to me.”

Burrows’s interest in nursing began her freshman year after being accepted into the Principles of Biomedical Science Program, a rigorous four-year Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course that teaches students about biology, medicine, and health and is designed to prepare them for the medical field. 

“I fell in love with it; I loved that class,” Burrow recalled. “I always looked forward to it and loved learning about people and how people work, so nursing felt right to me and was always something I wanted to do.”

Beyond academics, Burrows is actively involved on Highland High’s campus. She serves on the Associated Student Body, is the Varsity Cheer Captain, and gives back as a member of the Red Cross Club.

As she reflects on her journey, Taylor acknowledges the army of support who has helped her along the way.

“I want to give a big thank you to my parents and my teachers, Ms. Hertzog and Ms. Martinez,” Burrows shared.  “They are some of the best teachers I’ve ever had and have always been there for me and provided recommendations for QuestBridge. I bet they are the big reason why I got in.” 

To learn more about the QuestBridge National Match Scholarship, visit www.questbridge.org.