For most freshmen, starting high school means adjusting to a larger school, more challenging classes and new friends. But for Westfield High School freshman Taylor Wilhelm, high school has already become a stage to showcase her creativity, compassion and leadership.
Wilhelm says her favorite subject might surprise some — Principles of Entrepreneurship.
“I get to really show my creativity through projects,” she says. “I also just really like my teacher, Mr. Moore. He’s always encouraging us to let our ideas flow and gives me great tips.”
That encouragement has inspired Wilhelm to dream big. Her long-term goal? To become the CEO of a family-friendly, affordable resort.
“I want to own a vacation place where families can relax and make memories without it being too expensive,” she says.
While Wilhelm has an entrepreneurial spirit, her heart is just as focused on serving others. She volunteers with Student Impact, a local after-school program that offers middle and high school students a welcoming space filled with games, art and community.
“I help out with the intermediate schoolers,” she says. “I love being there to make sure everyone feels included.”
Inclusion is a recurring theme in Wilhelm’s life. She is hoping to participate in Unified Cheer, a program that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities, and she volunteers with the Miracle League, a baseball program for children with special needs. She is also applying to join the Best Buddies program, which fosters friendships between students of all abilities.
“Helping others, especially students with special needs, is really important to me,” Wilhelm says.
Her mother, Stephanie, says it’s one of her daughter’s defining characteristics
“She just has a natural ability to connect and make people feel comfortable,” she says.
Outside of school and volunteer work, Wilhelm has found a unique passion in archery. She first picked up a bow at summer camp and never looked back.
“My camp counselor was so encouraging, and it gave me the confidence to keep going,” she says.
That confidence led to an impressive achievement placing third at a state archery competition. Wilhelm hopes to continue the sport through college and beyond, competing at higher levels as her skills grow.
For Wilhelm, leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about kindness and connection. She makes it a personal goal to reach out to classmates who seem lonely or unsure.
“If I see someone who looks uncomfortable, I’ll introduce myself and start a conversation,” she says. “Sometimes people just need to know that someone is there for them.”
Her definition of a good leader centers on empathy and collaboration.
“A leader should be confident, but also understanding and willing to help others,” she says. “That’s what makes a school or community better.”
As Wilhelm begins her high school journey, she focuses on maintaining strong grades, surrounding herself with positive friends and building her confidence. With her entrepreneurial dreams, love for archery and passion for helping others, it’s clear she is already well on her way to leaving a mark on her school and community.
At just 14, Taylor Wilhelm is showing that leadership isn’t about age. It’s about heart, kindness and the ability to make others feel seen.
