Six Taylor-bound students were recently awarded scholarships through the Joseph P. Blades Scholarship Fund after demonstrating spiritual, academic, and community leadership: Judah Jones, Bruno Montero, Taya Perry, Adriana Sanchez, Zoe Sihemi, and Marykate Thomas.
The scholarship’s namesake, Joseph Preston Blades, exemplified the virtues the scholarship intends to honor. A 1918 Taylor University graduate from Barbados, Blades served as a minister and modeled servant-leadership to all on and off campus.
Judah Jones grew up in Colombia, where his family serves as missionaries. Attending Colombian schools allowed him to immerse himself in the culture and develop fluency in Spanish. He actively participated in leadership at his local church in Bogotá, leading worship and engaging with his youth group. One of the most meaningful leadership roles he has taken on is being an older brother to his three siblings. While he is still undecided about his field of study at Taylor, he is strongly considering a path in ministry.
Bruno Montero, from Lexington, Kentucky, is a high-achieving student who excels both academically and athletically. As the captain of his high school and club soccer teams, he demonstrates strong leadership on and off the field. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he enjoys traveling to Bolivia each year to visit family. Passionate about his faith, he founded a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter at his high school and has thrived as a leader within the organization. This fall, he plans to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Taya Perry, from Warsaw, Indiana, plans to study Christian Ministries. She grew up attending and working at camp, which significantly influenced her faith and shaped her passion for ministry. She actively serves in her church’s children’s ministry, leads a Bible study at her school, and co-founded a Students for Life group. Dedicated and driven, she has excelled both academically and in her leadership roles.
Adriana Sanchez, from Fort Collins, Colorado, has been deeply involved in her church, Concilio Latino Americano de Iglesias Cristianas, where she has served in both local and district youth leadership. As a pastor’s daughter, her faith and leadership roles have played a significant part in her life. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys playing the flute. This fall, she plans to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Zoe Sihemi, from Anderson, Indiana, plans to study Nursing at Taylor. A dedicated leader, she has held various leadership roles in the National Honor Society, student council, and her softball team. Currently working as a certified nursing assistant, she is gaining valuable hands-on experience in the medical field. This fall, she will also join the Trojan softball team.
Marykate Thomas, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, considers one of her most significant leadership roles to be that of the oldest daughter in her family. She has also served as a leader on her school’s worship team and as captain of the track team. Having faced and overcome many challenges, she is passionate about helping others and plans to pursue Pre-Art Therapy.
About Taylor University
For 178 years, Taylor University has combined rigorous academics with the Christian faith and remains the oldest nondenominational school in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). For nearly three decades, Taylor has been ranked a top Midwest College by U.S. News & World Report. The University’s graduation rate is the fourth highest nationally among peer institutions, and ninety-eight percent of Taylor’s graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. With a strong legacy of service and global opportunities, Taylor also ranks sixth nationally for study abroad internships and travel opportunities.
