Service-Learning VIP: Taylor

I am a product of service-learning. My name is Taylor Treat Burget, and I am Miss Oklahoma 2009. As a sophomore in high school, I became involved in my school's service-learning initiative, a program that was developed at Ada High School through Learn and Serve Oklahoma. Before my involvement with service-learning, school was just an everyday necessity that really had no meaning. I made good grades but found no joy in learning. Service-learning opened a door for me that ultimately led me to where I am today. From building an award-winning Project Ignition safe driving program for my high school to helping my science club implement a program for the local blood institute, I unknowingly became an active community volunteer. As a college student, I was named to the President's Leadership Class, made President's Honor Roll, was named captain of the University's Pom Squad, and continued my efforts as an active volunteer. Now, seven years later, I am spending an entire year focused on reaching students from over 150 Oklahoma schools to spread the word about service-learning. If that isn't life-changing I don't know what is. I am Miss Oklahoma 2009, and I am a product of Learn and Serve America.

- Taylor Treat Burget, Miss Oklahoma 2009