The Haugen Family Establishes The Taylor Haugen Foundation
Annual Scholarship Fund Celebrates Memory of the late Niceville High School Student Who Passed Away on August 30, 2008
Valparaiso, Fla. (September 11, 2008) – Following the death of Taylor Haugen, the beloved 15-year-old Niceville High School student who passed away on August 30, 2008, parents Brian & Kathy Haugen are honored to announce “The Taylor Haugen Foundation,” a scholarship fund established in memory of their son. In spirit of Taylor’s extraordinary character, the mission of the fund is to provide scholarships to faith-based, outgoing, community-oriented, academically-proficient athletes in the local community.
“We have been so deeply touched and uplifted by the outpouring of gifts and kindness from our family, friends and community that we feel compelled to establish ‘The Taylor Haugen Foundation’ as a way to allow other children like ‘T’ to carry on the torch,” said Brian Haugen, father of Taylor Haugen. “This foundation will emulate all of Taylor’s wonderful qualities – his devotion to his faith, family, friends, academics, sports, and most importantly, his mantra of ‘Don’t Quit – Never Give Up.’”
The criteria for these scholarships will be announced in the coming months once The Taylor Haugen Foundation board of directors has been officiated. Upon completion, the foundation will administer annual donations made in Taylor’s remembrance in the form of an educational scholarship fund. Thanks to the generous support of the Niceville High School Information Technology (IT) Department, additional information on The Taylor Haugen Foundation will be available soon at www.TaylorHaugen.org.
An only child, Taylor was born in Fayetteville, N.C. on March 16, 1993. He was a vivacious, admirable and charitable soul who was loved by all and whose life touched so many. A passionate Gator fan, he loved football, weightlifting, scuba diving and running and he never ran out of energy. An excellent student with a weighted 4.0 GPA, Taylor excelled in academics and sports. He was a member of the Niceville High School JV football and wrestling teams, the National Honor Society and a PAL Soccer Referee. He was also a member of the Key Club and the NaGisa Dive Team as well as both a member and volunteer at the First United Methodist Church of Niceville. Prior to NHS, he was a member of the Lewis Middle School marching band and football team as well as President of the National Junior Honor Society.
“Taylor deeply cherished his friendships and proudly relied upon his faith to guide him through his life on a daily basis,” said Billy Russell, youth minister for First United Methodist Church of Niceville. “Of all the kids in our ministry over the years, Taylor was without a doubt the most comfortable in his own skin. He truly loved out loud. This foundation is a fitting tribute to a remarkable soul.”
The Taylor Haugen Foundation is a 501-c-3 non profit organization. Donations are tax deductable and can be mailed to: The Taylor Haugen Foundation, PO Box 101, Valparaiso, FL 32580.
