Pickle For A Purpose: Scholarship Fundraiser
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting our inaugural Pickle For A Purpose: Scholarship Tournament!
Join us at Carolina Pickleball Club – Kannapolis for a day filled with fun and competitive pickleball games. This event is all about playing pickleball for a good cause – honoring the legacy of Myra L.A. Taylor and raising money for HBCU scholarships. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, this tournament is open to players of all skill levels. Grab your paddle, rally your friends, and get ready to show off your skills while supporting a great cause. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference while having a blast on the court!
Click the button to register to play or make a donation to the scholarship fund.
All proceeds will go toward empowering HBCU students. Read more about Myra and our scholarship criteria below.
Next year’s scholarships will be open before you know it.
A Little About Myra
Myra L. Austin Taylor was born on June 23, 1941 to the late Joseph Austin and Lucille Marks in Union town, Alabama. Myra was raised in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Dayton’s Dunbar High School, Class of 1959. While at Dunbar, she was a member of the marching band. Her gift in playing the clarinet earned her a scholarship to Central State University. At Central State, she continued her musicianship in the marching and concert bands. She graduated in 1963 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. Myra married her college sweetheart, Charles Taylor, III, to which two children were born, Sharon, who preceded her in death, & her beloved Charles, IV, affectionately known as Chuckie. A passionate educator, Myra began teaching at the Elementary School of the Deaf in Austin, TX in 1964. She relocated in 1965 and began teaching with Dayton Public Schools, where she retired with 30+ years of teaching at McNary & Jane Adams Elementary. Myra had a love for giving back. She was a long-time volunteer with Dayton Little League and volunteered at Welcome Stadium. An avid reader, she enjoyed reading the newspaper most of all, often sharing articles and tips she learned with her family and friends. Myra loved working outdoors and spent many hours in her garden and yard. She cared deeply about the environment, so you would find her picking up litter or cutting grass at Mary Scott Nursing Home & around area businesses. Myra departed this life on March 9, 2020.
Scholarship Requirements
- Currently attending/will attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
- Majoring in education/elementary education OR a current member of your institution’s band
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Must provide proof of 90 hours or more of community service
- Must provide proof of an enrollment and/or transcript
- If you’re currently in high school and will be attending an HBCU in the fall, you will need to provide a high school transcript and proof of enrollment prior to the start of the fall semester.
2025 Essay Question
Describe a teacher who has had a profound impact on your academic journey and personal development. Share specific examples of how this teacher has inspired, challenged, or guided you. (Minimum of 500 words)
2025 Application Cycle
Application open from February 1, 2025 – May 23, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their status in a timely fashion following the close of the application.
Scholarship Awards
The Taylor Family will be awarding three (3) $750 scholarships to deserving candidates.
Dooley Foundation 