Taylor Malina Graduates and Attending Stanford University in the Fall

Last week, we recognized student accomplishments and congratulated our graduates. Unfortunately, we accidentally did not include Taylor Malina. Thankfully Lisa Malina, Taylor’s mother, contacted us and she and Taylor provided the following information:

Taylor is an enrolled Tribal Member and a 2020 graduate of Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois. She graduated Suma Cum Laude and will be attending Stanford University in the fall. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Spanish, with the goal of becoming a biological field researcher studying endangered species and advocating for conservation of our natural resources.

Taylor believes in giving back to her community, and recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award (equivalent to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts). For the 80-hour community service project, she created a website for her high school that was populated with educational summer programs in more than 25 areas of interest. The site is now being utilized as a tool by her school’s College Resource Center and Guidance Counseling Office.

With a strong desire to help others, Taylor hopes to use her scientific education to give back to the Tribe, whether through education, conservation or advocacy. She is excited to join the Native Community at Stanford and to learn more about her heritage.

Congratulations Taylor, and best wishes in all your endeavors!