Photos: T.C. Williams High School Dedicates Jack Taylor College and Career Center Wing
"I’m going to be here for T.C. as long as I can," Taylor said. "As long as there is a student in Alexandria who wants to go to college, but can’t go for financial reasons, I’m a player.”
Alexandria, VA – T.C. Williams High School gave back to one of its strongest beneficiaries – Alexandria’s Jack Taylor – by renaming a section of the school “The Jack Taylor College and Career Center Wing.” Taylor, who has given more than $1 million to the school since 1992, reinforced his commitment to Alexandria kids before a packed house at the ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 7.
“I’m really blessed to be a part of this community,” Taylor said. “You really can’t take it with you. I’m going to be here for T.C. as long as I can… As long as there is a student in Alexandria who wants to go to college, but can’t go for financial reasons, I’m a player.”
Taylor, who owns Alexandria Toyota and a number of car dealerships in the area, has also significantly contributed to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. The event was also a who’s-who of local politicians, including Mayor Justin Wilson, members of the city council and school board, former Mayor Bill Euille and retired Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th).
Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings said that Taylor’s contributions have helped the lives of thousands of Alexandria students.
“Without this kind of generous support, many of our students could not even begin to think of going to college – particularly at a time when the cost of going to college is sky high,” Hutchings said. “Since 1986, the Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $16.5 million in scholarships and helped more than 4,750 Alexandria students realize their college dreams.”
T.C. Williams High School Principal Peter Balas said that Taylor was adamant about the wing focusing on students and not himself.
“In this space behind me you will not see murals of Jack, paintings or Jack or even statues of Jack. But what you will see is what he wanted – a space that would be useful and beneficial for students,” Balas said. “He wanted a warm and inviting space that would be welcoming to all students, especially those who would be first in their families to attend college.”
