Dancing in the Stars: A Tribute to Coach Jennifer Taylor

On March 9, 2026, Principal Kurt Telford issued an email to all Charlotte Catholic High School students, teachers, faculty, and staff announcing that Charlotte Catholic graduate, teacher, and dance coach Jennifer Taylor had been courageously battling breast cancer. At the time, many students didn’t know about the severity of the disease. Mr. Telford simply asked that all students wear pink on the next day to support her and to attend a break mass dedicated to her to show love and faith for her healing and support.

Mr. Telford also wrote that the school would share updates on Mrs. Taylor’s condition. He encouraged everyone to support her friends and family during this difficult time. He also requested students make homemade cards and pray for her. The community offered a prayer to Saint Peregrine, patron saint of cancer patients: “Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of Jennifer Taylor whom we entrust to you. Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.”

Four days after the initial email, the CCHS Lady Cougars handed out pink bracelets with a cross and the simple text “Pray for Mrs. Taylor.” Additionally, students could wear pink tops with their uniform bottoms to show support. It was a beautiful and uplifting sight to see all the students in pink for her. Unfortunately, just a day later, Mrs. Taylor lost her battle with cancer, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Credit: Google Images

Immediately after her passing, countless tributes poured in for Coach Taylor. Sophomore Ellie Melkonian, who has been on the dance team for two years, said, “Coach Taylor was not only a teacher to me but one of my biggest supporters. There was never a doubt in my mind that I could go to her for help. She was always there for me no matter what I needed.” Former Charlotte Catholic cougar Blanca Thomas, current center for the Tar Heels women’s basketball team, said, “I will forever remember the impact she had on everyone around her”. 

On the first day back at school following the sad news, students wore pink and the counselors spent all day in the library for grief support.

The funeral for Mrs. Taylor is on Friday, March 20th, and all students will be able to attend due to shortened classes. The funeral is set to be at St. Matthews Catholic Church at 1:45 P.M.

Jennifer Schexnayder Taylor will be remembered as an incredible woman who always put others before herself. Going forward, the CCHS Dance Team will compete and dance with the command “Dance for Coach Taylor” always in their minds and hearts. This entire Catholic community recognizes her as an incredible teacher, coach, and person who is watching over us from heaven.