Taylor Moss Photo courtesy of NLEAFCF
A Howard Beach teenager is one of fewer than two dozen winners of a national scholarship awarded to children of law enforcement and firefighters who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The National Law Enforcement & Firefighters Children’s Foundation announced Taylor Moss of Howard Beach as a recipient of the NLEAFCF Scholarship.
She is just one of 23 students from across the country to receive the award, which is based on financial need and academic merit. Moss received the scholarship in recognition of her exceptional leadership, community service and scholastic achievement. Moss will receive $1,500 in scholarship money.
“Helping their children better pay for college and complete their higher education is the least we can do to honor the first responders who have given so much to protect us,” said NLEAFCF President and Founder Al Kahn. “Taylor has demonstrated leadership among her peers and exceptional scholastic achievements and community service. We are proud to be a part of helping Taylor achieve her academic goals.”
Moss’ father, Lt. Steven Albert Moss, was assigned to Engine Company 76 in Manhattan. He responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and worked on the site in the days and weeks after. He developed significant breathing problems as a result of his work and was subsequently placed on disability.
Moss attended Archbishop Molloy High School on scholarship, where she made the Principal’s List every year. She has maintained a solid 99.00 GPA for four years and was a recipient of numerous awards, including the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Young Leaders Award for outstanding academic achievement and leadership. In addition, she was also a member of the National Honor Society, earned the Stanner Spirit Award, a Regent’s diploma with honors and the Jack Curran Outstanding Senior Athlete Award.
Moss was also a varsity softball player for four years. She was selected team captain in her final year where she led the state champion team in RBIs.
She plans to attend College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, where she is to major in biology and play Division 1 softball. Her goal is to become a Doctor of Pharmacy to help others in need, inspired by her experience with her father’s health after 9/11.
