Hometown Hero race heats up

By Christina Burke Staff Writer There are only four days left to vote for the second annual Hometown Hero, brought to you by the Public Service Academy at CHS. The Hometown Hero project is put together by high school students, and is set up to honor very special people in our town. Like last year, the winner will be announced at the next home football game which will be on next Friday. These are the nominees for this year: Donna Cranston, the ‘mother of all soldiers’ who organizes greetings for soldiers at the DFW airport and takes care of them in times of need. Eileen Higgins, who works with the Coppell Circle of Friends and…

Golf tournament held for the Taylor’s Gift Foundation

By Caroline Carter Staff Writer As golfers and volunteers arrived on Friday for the second annual Taylor’s Gift golf tournament at Brookhaven Country Club, a poster with all the recipients of Taylor Storch’s organs reminded them why they are supporting such an important cause. On March 15, 2010, thirteen-year-old Coppell resident Taylor Storch lost her life in a skiing accident while on vacation in Colorado. Her parents, Todd and Tara Storch made the choice to donate her organs as Taylor’s final gift. The Taylor’s Gift Foundation was then created to promote organ donation awareness. Over the past year, the Taylor’s Gift foundation has grown into a well-known organization across the country. From what started as…

Organization rallies around student awaiting kidney transplant

Mary Whitfill Features Editor When Coppell Middle School East student Taylor Storch died in a skiing accident last spring, her parents were forced to make a decision with the potential to dramatically impact the lives of many. Finding the sliver of hope in a seemingly dark situation, parents Todd and Tara Storch choose to donate Taylor’s organs to those in need. Taylor saved five lives. Out of the loss of the Coppell eighth grader bloomed a foundation dedicated to raising organ donation awareness in young people, Taylor’s Gift. Committed to raising the numbers of registered organ donators, Taylor’s Gift strives to help people make a decision about organ donation before the moment is crucial and…

Memories grow at Storch memorial

by Ashley Attanucci Staff Writer Video by Drake McWhorter After losing one of their most beloved students, Coppell Middle School East has built an on-campus memorial site for eighth grader Taylor Storch. An oak tree, known as Taylor’s Tree, was planted in the center of a student-designed garden to make permanent Storch’s presence at the school. Both for the students and teachers that knew her, and for her family –Mr. Todd Storch, Mrs. Tara Storch, Ryan, 11, and Peyton, 9-  the site dedicated to Storch’s memory is a comfort and daily reminder of her spirit. “When all this happened, when Taylor passed away, Tara and I knew that the school is really important to her -it’s important…

Coppell students wear blue in honor of Taylor Storch

by Divya Kumar News Editor In memory of thirteen year old Taylor Storch, eighth grader at Coppell Middle School East, students around the Coppell school district are wearing blue today. Due to the fact that today is Taylor’s birthday, a series of occurences are set to take place in order to honor her. Beyond just the blue shirts, today is also the unveiling of the organization that Taylor’s father, Todd Storch, and family friend, Jeremy Lipsey, have put together – Taylor’s Gift. The organization was created in order to honor Taylor, who’s organ’s helped to save the lives of six people, while spreading awareness about organ donation and launched today, in honor of Taylor’s birthday. Similarly, construction…

Storch’s memory lives on with Taylor’s Gift

by Divya Kumar News Editor On March 15, 13-year-old Coppell Middle School East eighth grader Taylor Storch passed away in a tragic skiing accident in Colorado while vacationing with her family. A kind, athletic and giving girl, Taylor’s warm spirit touched the lives of many. Even now, Taylor’s legacy is continuing to impact people, not just around the community, but across the nation. In the hospital after the accident, a nurse approached the Storch family to ask about organ donation. According to Todd Storch, Taylor’s father, there was no question about it. “When she asked us, my wife and I both looked at each other and immediately knew,” Storch said. “We’d never sat down as…