This week we Take Five with West Milford High School senior Taylor Ryan. Taylor is a big supporter of the township's Relay for Life. She's participated for several years, coming first because it sounded like fun and staying for the great work done by the group. Be sure to go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, to see our Bonus Five with Taylor. And be sure to sign up to participate in or donate to the Relay for Life.
1) How did you get involved with Relay for Life?
I got involved in Relay for Life in 8th grade when my best friend said she was going to make a team. I had heard about it the previous year and it sounded like a lot of fun!
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
Definitely my parents! They have always supported me and encourage me to always put forth my best effort into everything I do!
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher has to be Mrs. Metcalf. I was so happy to have her both freshman year for World History and again junior year for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. She has such a unique teaching style that makes everything she teaches extremely interesting.
4) Share a favorite moment with your Relay for Life group.
One of my favorite moments at Relay was when two years ago, the song “Sweet Caroline” came on and we all skipped around the track during the chorus! This is one of my favorite memories because it has become one of our Relay traditions and a great middle of the night energy booster!
5) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite books have to be the Harry Potter series. I love the books and the movies because J.K. Rowling puts you into a whole other world and you can always find something new and interesting no matter how many times you read the books or see the movies.
Relay for Life is a great group and they're lucky to have such terrific young people like Taylor to bring out the kids for the event. Keep up the good work, Taylor! Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Let us know by dropping us an email at njoffice@strausnews.com. We want to showcase all of the wonderful kids here in the township.
Bonus Five
6) What would most people be surprised to know about the Relay?
One thing about Relay for Life that I think would surprise people is that walking around the track for almost 16 hours straight is not as difficult as it seems. You are surrounded by your friends and family having a great time, and the fact that all your effort is going to funding cancer research motivates you every mile!
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I would definitely bring an endless supply of water, my running shoes and a ton of sun tan lotion!
8) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a Highlander means having a lot of school spirit, respecting others and going out of your way to help others.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not involved with Relay for Life?
When I am not at Relay or helping plan Relay, I am running cross country in the fall and track in the spring. I also love to read, work out, and spend time with my family and friends.
10) Share something no one knows about you.
Something I don’t think people know about me is that in my free time I also like to write poetry and short stories.