Darcy Taylor of Gonzaga awarded more than $200K in scholarships

A Grade 12 student from Gonzaga High School in St. John's has won more than $200,000 in university scholarships, including one that that can be used at more than two dozen institutions.

Darcy Taylor has a big decision to make when he chooses which of three scholarships he wants to use when he starts university in the fall.

"No more allowance, I've sort of outgrown that," he told Anthony Germainthis week during an interview with CBC Radio'sSt. John's Morning Show.

Three scholarships

Taylor won a $24,000 prize from the University of Ottawa, and $78,000 from Queen's University. He also won the $100,000 Loran Scholarship, which can be used at one of 25 participatinguniversities.

While he hasn't made up his mind yet, Taylor said he isleaning towards accepting the Loran award.

"That's probably the best option," he said.

"Not only is it up to $100,000, it's really more than just a scholarship. It's a leadership program that allows you to have mentorsit allows you to participate in summer programs."

Taylor wasn't the only student from the province to be awarded the prize from Loran. Patrick Hickey from Holy Heart of Mary High School in St. John's also won.

Leaving Newfoundland

Taylor said the Loran Scholars Foundation encourages students to leave their home province to attend university, which he will likely do.

"Memorial is a great school, but Loran sort of encourages you to go away," he said.

Right now, Taylor is looking at applying to schools in Ontario, such as University of Toronto, Queen'sUniversity or the University of Western Ontario.

He is considering applying to the business program in one of the schools, and is still in the process of trying to decide which one would be the best fit for him.

Proud parents

Taylor's parents say they didn't have to do much to motivate their son to be so successful.

Mel Taylor saidthat his sonhas always pursued these things on his own.

"He's pretty self-driven," he said in an interview.

"We just try to stay out of Darcy's way."

With all of his academic success, Darcy Taylor stilldoes much more with his time than just study.

Mel said his son still manages to find time to hang outwith his friends, as well as being involved in sports and variousfundraising activities.

In fact, he represented Newfoundland and Labrador by playing tennis in the Canada Summer Games.

"I try not to focus solely on academics," he said.

While he soon has an important life decision to make regarding whichschool to attend, Taylor isn't feeling too much pressure just yet.

"I have to start talking to them about my decision in the next few weeks," he said.

"I still have a little bit of time."