In bestowing Rotary SOM honours on Gordon, the Penticton Sunrise Club roundly applauded his inspiring leadership in charitable causes and student-bonding activities, pivotal role in the success of the Penticton Robotics team, and above all, indispensable expert oversight in setting up and operating the audio-visual equipment critical to the smooth running of virtually all school events.
Gordon’s drive to perform to the best of his ability regardless of the challenge is baked in his DNA. A glimpse into this trait was first seen in Grade 3 when he became involved in competitive rope jumping in the local Black Widow Rope Spinners. Practicing seven hours weekly, his dedication and hard work culminated in Grade 8 with him winning gold at both the 2019 B.C. provincial and national championships.
Along the way, he learned the importance of being able to blank everything else out -- judges, coaches and spectators -- and focus on the task at hand.
Gordon is a valued member of Maggie’s dynamic leadership program. As the lead planner for the Terry Fox Run for cancer research for the past two years, he has displayed exceptional organizational skills and a firm commitment to community service. He also oversaw the Senior Winter Formal last year and the Junior Dance two years ago, not to mention volunteering each year for the Ha Ha Ha KidzFest and 10,000 Tonight food drive for the Salvation Army food bank.
Phys. ed/leadership teacher Maddi Wilms said, “Taylor has freely given his time, energy and expertise to our school community, helping to ensure the smooth running of virtually all our events. His dedication often sees him at school before most teachers arrive and staying well after they leave, a testament to his strong work ethic and burning passion for helping others.
Gordon lists his involvement in the Penticton Robotics team, comprising 10-15 Maggie and Pen-Hi students, as one of his favourite school activities. Each year team members toil painstakingly after school to build an industrial-sized robot that is programmed to meet a preassigned challenge as a provision for entry in the Pacific Regional First Robotics competition.
Upon joining the team in Grade 10, Gordon quickly grasped the basics of robot physical design and assembly and the intricate workings of the electronic and pneumatic systems in the CAN buz messaging network. His steep learning curve catapulted him into the key role of lead builder last year, enabling him to apply his well-honed skill set and experience “to supervise, paying attention to detail at every step, the construction of a fully operational and attractive bot”.
Given a strong field of 44 teams, including some from the U.S. and Asia, the small Penticton team performed well at the first robotics competition held in Victoria last April, capturing a creativity award for their recycled hockey stick scissor lift. This year, given his heavy academic course load, Gordon will be taking a more guiding role, along with troubleshooting the inevitable glitches.
While Gordon’s feats in robotics and leadership are indeed impressive, it is his indispensable position as Maggie’s go-to super tech for support in the audio-visual field that stands out. As a key member of Maggie’s tech crew, he plays a crucial part in overseeing all technical aspects of school assemblies, drama productions, band performances and dance formals. In well-deserved recognition of his huge contributions to the betterment of Maggie, Gordon has captured the Top Service award in Grades 9, 10 and 11.
Music teacher and tech team advisor Stan Sabourin said: “Taylor is heavily involved in both directing school events and training younger members. Self-motivated to learn the latest advances in audio-visual technology, he brings a solid knowledge base and enthusiasm for problem solving to facilitate the smooth running of our many events. His passion, selfless dedication and generosity of time, energy and expertise cannot be overstated.”
Gordon joined Maggie’s Horseshoe Theatre in Grade 9 and rapidly became hooked on learning about live performance technology. With his quick and determined mind, he has greatly expanded his technical knowledge while working on the Theatre’s productions of Grease, Little Shop of Horrors and Bye Bye Birdie musicals over the last three years.
Out of school, he has worked at Skaha Sound, a local music production company, as a valued crew member at such popular musical festivals as Peach Festival and Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival.
Drama teacher Lori Grant said: “Taylor thoroughly enjoys creating the technical surprises that occur in a theatrical performance. Watching the show unfold, moving through each cue, Taylor takes pride on doing a job well done, from curtain up to curtain down. Even keeled and com-posed, he has a real knack to calm his crew mates under stressful moments during a stage production. We cannot thank him enough for his many hours of selfless service to our school.”
English teacher Erica Fitton said, “Taylor has a strong commitment to academics. He works hard in all his classes, always hands in his assignments on time and has an unparalleled eagerness to learn new skills so that he can help others. For example, with very little background in videography, in Grade 10, Taylor did an exemplary job filming and editing the class little buddy music video in my English First Peoples class.
Aptly, Gordon’s biggest challenge is time management, requiring him to deftly balance his heavy academic load, hectic schedule of extramural activities and work at Skaha Sound, Penticton Golf and Country Club (groundskeeper) and Apex Mountain Ski Resort (keen chair liftee).
Gordon absolutely loves being in the outdoors. For leisure, he enjoys walking, mountain biking, hiking and especially, skiing, proudly following in his dad’s footsteps as a very accomplished skier.
Upon graduation, Taylor Gordon plans to pursue undergraduate studies leading to a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the BC Institute of Technology.