{"id":13192,"date":"2026-04-11T10:45:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=13192"},"modified":"2026-04-16T10:14:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T15:14:27","slug":"2026-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honoree-elise-taylor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/community-and-culture\/sports-partnerships-community-and-culture\/2026-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honoree-elise-taylor\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Honoree Elise Taylor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Central Middle School Family and Community Engagement Specialist featured the month of April<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI genuinely love working in education!\u201d said Central Middle School Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Elise Taylor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone is passionate about their role, it\u2019s evident. And this is certainly the case for Taylor. Her infectious smile, charming personality, and warm, welcoming attitude are continually on display at Central Middle School and leave a lasting impression on everyone she interacts with throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a Family and Community Engagement Specialist, I wear a lot of hats and do my best to make a difference,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cThe heart of my role is helping bridge the gap between families, the school, volunteering, and the community. I try to make sure everyone feels connected, heard, and supported.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing up, Taylor was once told, \u2018don\u2019t assume, just ask\u2019. A simple message, but one that has resonated with her throughout her education journey. When she graduated from UMKC, those four words continued to help her determine what was next and aided in her ability to land various positions within the Kansas City, Kansas Public School system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy favorite part about educating youth is feeling like I\u2019m doing my part to try to make a positive difference,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cOne day, these same kids will be running the world! I strongly believe that academics, building character, and making connections with students and families is one of the most important parts of what I do in education. Good character helps students make better choices, build healthy relationships, and provides opportunities for students to help others grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having worked with the youth in Wyandotte Country for more than 20 years, Taylor has found ways to highlight the successes and achievements of those around her. This approach has earned respect amongst her colleagues, as she continues to thrive on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Sporting Samaritan at the game vs San Jose Earthquakes at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas on April 11th, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are three things I like to remind my students,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cThe first is to be kind to others. The second is that every adult was once a middle schooler, so it\u2019s hard to fool us. And the third is that being an adult is hard. Don\u2019t rush into it and enjoy the present!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon graduating from UMKC, Taylor knew she wanted to work with kids. Even though she didn\u2019t have all the details mapped out, she trusted her instincts, her family, and most importantly herself, and jumped in with both feet. She\u2019s never looked back since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI look forward to using this opportunity (as a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan) to continue to make a positive impact and represent my community,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cThis has been one of the most rewarding moments in my career, and I\u2019m grateful to be recognized.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cElise has a heart for serving and giving to others, while never asking for anything in return,\u201d said Taylor\u2019s nominator, Eli Jones. \u201cShe goes above and beyond for students, families, and colleagues in our school community. In her role, Elise regularly works with students and families in need and crisis, helping them get essential services and necessities for life. She says it brings her heart joy to spend time with the \u2018littles\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith her enlightening personality and gracious character, it\u2019s evident why Elise is a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan,\u201d said Jenny Housley, Blue KC President. \u201cThe unwavering support and commitment she\u2019s able to display at Central Middle School and within her local community is inspiring and uplifting. We are proud of her career successes to date, but know there are many more highlights and milestone moments still to come. Congratulations!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChoosing to work in education has been one of the best decisions I\u2019ve ever made,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cOver the course of my career, I\u2019ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of students and families that have left a lasting impact on me for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at  https:\/\/www.BlueKC.com\/NominateSportingSamaritan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs<\/h3>

Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Program<\/p> <\/div>\n

\n \n Nominate your teacher or student today!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Was this helpful?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t