Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

TESF Newsletter: Winter 2020

Despite Taylor Emmons’ short life, he managed to accomplish more in his 19 years than many people wish for in a lifetime. At The Out-of-Door Academy, Taylor excelled in academics and sports. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and was voted vice president of his senior class, Homecoming King and student with the most school spirit. Although the hole created by his absence can never be filled, the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund strives to carry on his spirit and energy by awarding a scholarship to at least one deserving young student each year.

The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund will provide opportunities for socio-economically diverse students to experience an independent, college preparatory education at The Out-of-Door Academy's Upper School. They will learn in an environment which allows students to strive to achieve their highest academic goals and build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts and athletics.

If you know of anyone that may be interested in applying for the Taylor Emmons Scholarship at The Out-of-Door Academy, (9th-12th Grade) please visit the ODA website for more information and application.


The Out-of-Door Academy

Since 1924, The Out-of-Door Academy has offered an innovative program focused on educating the whole child in a caring and supportive community. An Out-of-Door education is defined by the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to build character through a balanced program of academics, athletics and the arts. 100% of our graduates have matriculated to four year colleges and universities across the country. In 2006, The Out-of-Door Academy was recognized as a Cum Laude Society School, a distinction reserved for the top 1% of all secondary schools in the United States.

David V. Mahler
Head of School


Sandy Albano

Executive Director of The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund

Sandy Albano is the Executive Director of The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund. Albano brings with her over fifteen years of progressively responsible management experience in client services, community outreach, development, marketing, media relations, and sales.

Albano volunteers at her children's schools and has donated her time and funds to various local organizations such as the All Children's Hospital Women's Guild of Sarasota, All Faiths Food Bank, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, New Gate School, The Out-of-Door Academy, and Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC).

Albano relocated to Sarasota from upstate New York where she co-owned a Merle Norman Cosmetic franchise studio. Sandy resides on Longboat Key with her husband and three loving children.

"I see Mike and Katie struggle and it breaks my heart. I didn’t know Taylor that well but boy I wish I did. You hear nothing but fabulous things that he did as a human being, a very young human being. When the Emmons hired me, they said that their biggest fear was that people would forget Taylor. I am here to make sure that never happens."

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