In the fall of 2003, the Archdiocese of Baltimore implemented a multi-tiered marketing plan to raise awareness of its seven-year-old inner city scholarship program, Partners in Excellence (PIE), highlighting some of the faces and stories of the young program’s scholarship recipients.
Archbishop Borders School’s then-principal, Cathy Marshall, when asked whom she thought would be a good student to interview, smiled and quickly answered, “Definitely Tavon. He is such a wonderful young man.”
A seventh grader at the time, Tavon’s bright eyes and warm smile were exactly what we were looking for, and his soft-spoken, yet clear voice and confident personality ultimately won us over. As we chatted with Tavon, he shared his thoughts about the school and his dreams for his future. “I’m planning on going to a good high school, and a good college, and to get my law degree,” young Tavon shared.
And we believed him.
Nearly 10 years later, a serendipitous connection put us back in touch with Tavon. Tom Kurowski, Chair of the PIE Advisory Board at the time, had a son who attended Loyola Blakefield with Tavon and they had become good friends. We discovered that Tavon DID attend a good high school (Blakefield) and a good college (St. Joseph University in Philadelphia). And, true to his words in 2003, he was preparing to take the LSAT. We asked Tavon if he would consider being the keynote speaker at our 2013 Archdiocesan Gala for Catholic Education. Happily, he agreed.
At the Gala, Tavon spoke about the impact of his Catholic education. “What made it possible for me to be the person I am today starts with Archbishop Borders,” he shared. “It started with teachers like Miss Pat who taught me how to be a good student and take care of my responsibilities.”
Tavon also spoke about why, after graduating from St. Joseph University, he opted to participate in Loyola Blakefield’s Alumni Service Corps. “I give back because it is really crucial,” he reflected. “So many people have given to me. I want to give back. I want to be that person for others.”
Today, Tavon is ten years into his professional career and living in New York City. When asked about some career highlights he said, “I had a goal and plan to attend law school – which I did at Widener University School of Law. The time I spent completing my 1L while also gaining work experience had such an impact on me that it ultimately redirected my goals and life journey.”
“I have been a people leader in sales and customer experience ever since, working for various Fortune 500 companies like Tesla and Conde Nast.”
As the Director of Student Success at Blueprint Test Prep, a high-growth Edtech company that works with law school, medical school and nursing school students, Tavon finds himself tapping into his Catholic education background quite a bit. “Being charitable, stewarding resources responsibly, leading with compassion and humility: these are all standards I’ve held myself to which have a foundation in my experiences in Catholic schools.
It is not lost on us that the young man who confidently laid out his plan back in the 7th grade, then went and successfully implemented that plan, now holds the title of ‘Director of Student Success’.
As he continues to work with a diverse group of teammates, clients and students, Tavon finds himself relying on a particular skill he learned from his Catholic education. “The importance of thinking through my words and actions and reflecting on the impact I can make by holding myself to a standard has been a non-negotiable for me. Putting God at the forefront has made me stronger and has made my decision-making better.”
And when asked how important an early entry into Catholic education was for him, Tavon states unequivocally: “I would not be who I am or where I am without my opportunities to grow and experience the love of God through others. My Catholic school education was everything I needed at the right times in my life. I am so grateful.”
