Wanette High School senior softball and basketball player Taylor Pawpa leads by example on and off the field of play.
As a senior leader and a member of the Potawatomi Tribe, Pawpa has an appreciation for her heritage and what they accompli
shed in the past to give her generation the opportunities they have today.
“Being part of the tribe means quite a bit to me personally. I get to learn about my past Indian heritage, about the ways that everyone was back then. I think its really cool being able to know all of it,” said Pawpa.
In every athletes life there is someone that influenced them or inspired them to be the best they can be in competition and in their personal life. For Pawpa that person was her Grandfather.
“A big influence in my family would have been my pawpaw. He worked 24/7 in so many different places, just trying to provide for us. He was a hero to me. He never gave up,” said Pawpa.
That influence has translated into Pawpa becoming a leader at Wanette High School.
“Being a leader means having the fight to be able to be brave against whatever comes your way. People are watching and following in your footsteps, why would you want them to go on a bad life course because of you? I don’t. That is why I try my hardest at mostly all I do so everyone can see that and do the same. You have to have perseverance and responsibility,” said Pawpa.
At school Pawpa is involved in STUCO and serves as Class President. She also serves on the Health and Fitness board.
For Pawpa having an influence over the younger members of the community is something she takes very serious.
“For the younger members of the tribe, I want to be someone they look up to and I want them to be able to come to me anytime no matter what, about anything they need. I will do my best to help any way possible,” said Pawpa.
After high school Pawpa plans to attend college at East Central University and pursue a masters degree in nursing.
