Congratulations to Ridge High Senior Tayler Ann Gallic, winner of the 2010 Ridge Alumni Memorial Scholarship. Ridge AMS supporters wish Tayler great success and happiness as she pursues her goals.

Here are excerpts from Tayler’s essay:

I was born with Triple X Syndrome, which causes learning disabilities. I have been in Special Education classes since the third grade. When I was 13 years old, I started having full-blown seizures. After months of tests, many hospital stays, seeing a lot of doctors and going for second opinions, I was diagnosed with a slow growing glioma in the left parietal lobe of my brain.

After brain surgery, I had to overcome many obstacles. I couldn’t remember how to dial a phone, was very slow when speaking, and lost a lot of weight. I was tutored by teachers from Ridge High. Once I was better and able, I returned to school. My IQ dropped tremendously and I had a lot of trouble remembering things. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, I made the honor roll last year for the first time! I continue to work hard in all my classes and am trying to make the honor roll again.

I am very proud of myself for all the obstacles I have overcome, and know that I have a bright future ahead of me. If I were to receive the Ridge AMS award, I would be able to go to the County College of Morris. I want to study education and become a guidance counselor. [RHS Guidance Counselors] have all had a very big impact on my life at Ridge High School. They call themselves “Team Tayler”. I want to make a difference in other children’s lives like they have for me.

Tayler plans to attend the County College of Morris after graduating from Ridge High School.