Video: Maria Telesheva Interview for KEZI 9 TV News October 4th, 2023

Maria Telesheva is one of 15 recipients of a new scholarship fund established in memory of a NEHS staff’s son. The Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant was established in honor of librarian Amary Taylor’s son that passed away in a car crash when he was 11 years old about seven years ago. In a matter of weeks, Taylor and school staff established the fund, raised more than $5,000, took in applications, and handed out 15 awards to the selected winners, one for each student who applied.

The grants allowed students to pursue a passion project this summer, ranging from a summer academy program with The New York Times to a youth search and rescue program. Maria Teleshev, who seeks to pursue her dream of a career as a musician received an Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant scholarship. “One of the most important things in life is to pursue your dream,” Maria said. “I have been told many times in life when I was younger that music is just a hobby… and it might be for some people… but for me I truly believe I can have a career… in music.”