Tiny But Mighty: Taylor Day Honors the Enduring Legacy of Taylor HS

On Saturday, November 1, a powerful, albeit intimate, ceremony dubbed Taylor Day took place at Fauquier High School. The event was a heartfelt celebration of the indelible legacy of Taylor High School, which served as Fauquier County’s only high school for Black students from 1952 until desegregation in 1969. Now serving as a middle school, the original building is currently undergoing major renovations.

The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of academic rigor, mutual respect, and community engagement fostered by the educators and students of Taylor High. Despite modest attendance (approximately 80 people), the celebration had an undeniably immense impact, resonating deeply with those who witnessed it. The involvement of diverse community members underscored the event's significance to the county.

The program highlighted the school’s lasting influence as well as the community’s commitment to preserving its history. The proceedings were emceed by Reverend Tyrone Green of Hearts Delight Baptist Church in Catlett, and featured welcoming remarks from Conway Porter, a proud Taylor High School Class of 1963 graduate who noted the day’s events were “a labor of love.”

The ceremony embraced a spirit of multi-faith unity, including an opening prayer offered by Reverend Ashley Allen of Warrenton United Methodist Church. Father Lewandowski of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church read Psalm 78:1-6, a passage that speaks to the importance of teaching history to the next generation. And Rabbi Rachel Schwartz of Fauquier Jewish Congregation provided a moving benediction.

The celebration also offered a poignant connection to present education in the county, with current Taylor Middle School orchestra members performing beautiful renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “Terra Nova,” under the direction of Mr. Kyle Alperstein.

Additional program highlights included a stirring keynote address delivered by Reverend Ralph Williams of Mt. Morris Baptist Church in Hume. In addition, Dr. Major Warner, superintendent of Fauquier County Public Schools, offered remarks acknowledging the school’s foundational role in the county’s educational history. The program culminated in a deeply resonant moment as several Taylor High School classmates (known in their day as the “Swing’n Knights”) joined together for a powerful performance of “America.”

The event concluded with comments delivered by Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire, executive director of the Fauquier Education Foundation, which is collaborating with the Taylor High School alumni, known collectively as the Taylor Historical Society. Their efforts are focused on the Taylor Legacy Commission project, which aims to ensure that when the renovated school reopens, it will feature several elements that call attention to the legacy of the man for whom the school was named.

“More than 70 years ago, this community made a statement,” Nancy said. “They chose to name a school—Taylor High School—after a man who was revered for his work as a Black educator in both Prince William and Fauquier Counties.” She emphasized that for Black students in that era, Taylor High School was more than just a school—it was the heart of the community. Families, neighbors, and business owners were deeply involved, ensuring the success of every child.

She concluded by sharing a reflection from former school board member, Duke Bland: “A person really doesn’t die until people stop saying their name.” She affirmed that “thanks to the amazing alumni of Taylor High School, and to the stories we share, and to days like this one, we are ensuring that the name of William C. Taylor will live on indefinitely.”

The event successfully honored a pivotal chapter in Fauquier County history, ensuring that the excellence and community commitment forged at Taylor High School will continue to inspire future generations. To learn more about the Taylor Legacy Commission project, visit fauquiereducationfoundation.org/programs.