By Kristal Sisson, Principal, Resurrection Catholic Middle/High School
Every once in a while, you have a student who surprises you—not because you didn’t recognize his talents, but because you discover an entirely different side of him that leaves you amazed. For me, that student is RCMHS senior Carter Taylor.
If you know Carter, you know that he is quiet, personable, mature, and genuinely kind. He is always respectful, and he is well-liked by both his teachers and classmates. Carter is not someone who seeks attention or recognition. He simply goes about his day with a quiet confidence and a pleasant demeanor. But behind that reserved personality is an incredibly talented young man who has accomplished things that most people only dream about.
This school year, I had the opportunity to attend my very first race and watch Carter behind the wheel. I really cannot put into words just how impressed I was! Racing is one of those sports that you simply cannot fully appreciate until you experience it in person. The speed, the precision, the intensity, and the split-second decisions are extraordinary. Watching Carter compete gave me an entirely new appreciation for his talent, courage, and dedication.
And to think, he is only a senior in high school!
Carter began racing in 2019 when he was just 11 years old. Amazingly, he won his very first race that same year! Since then, he has captured eight racing championships, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone so young. To put that into perspective, many competitive race car drivers are in their mid-30s to 40s. Carter is competing and succeeding in a sport where experience is invaluable, often against drivers who have been racing longer than he has been alive.
Of all his accomplishments, Carter is especially proud of winning the annual Outlaw 100, a victory that stands out among his many racing achievements. His next big challenge is the prestigious Snowball Derby during the first week of December, an event he is eagerly anticipating.
But as impressive as his racing accomplishments are, what I enjoyed most about visiting with Carter was learning about the people and experiences that have shaped him.
Carter’s love of racing began with his father, Brett. Over the years, the two have spent countless hours together working on race cars, preparing for competitions, and sharing a passion that has created a special bond between father and son. When Carter talks about those hours spent with his dad, it is obvious that the memories mean just as much to him as the trophies.
His mother Gina, father Brett, grandmother Evelyn Green, and uncle Jason Green have been his biggest supporters, cheering him on whether he was racing around a track or playing football for the RCMHS Eagles. Carter recognizes how fortunate he is to have a family that believes in him and encourages him. He comes from a family of hard workers, and that work ethic is certainly evident in everything he does.
Throughout his racing career, Carter has driven ten different race cars and currently has six. For him, racing is much more than getting behind the wheel and driving fast. It requires hours of preparation, mechanical knowledge, patience, discipline, and a willingness to learn.
When I asked Carter what racing had taught him, he initially mentioned “concentration, decision-making, and quick thinking.” Those are certainly essential skills when you are traveling at incredible speeds and have only fractions of a second to react.
But when I asked him what racing had taught him about life, his response revealed a maturity well beyond his years.
“I’ve learned about humility,” Carter shared. He also spoke about the importance of not becoming overly confident, learning to deal with all sorts of people, persevering through difficulties, and setting goals.
I was particularly impressed by his understanding of humility. In a sport where winning is celebrated and recognition often follows success, Carter understands the importance of remaining grounded. He recognizes that success requires hard work, perseverance, and respect for others. Those lessons will serve him well long after his racing career.
And racing isn’t Carter’s only athletic accomplishment.
When he isn’t at the racetrack, Carter has enjoyed being a member of the RCMHS Eagle football team. One of his favorite football memories is defeating Sacred Heart during his ninth-grade year. He is also proud that the Eagles advanced to the playoffs every year he played except his junior year. Being part of a team, working toward a common goal, and representing his school have all been important parts of his high school experience.
What I find especially remarkable is how Carter has balanced his racing career, football, academics, and other responsibilities. Racing at his level requires an enormous commitment of time and energy, yet Carter has remained the same respectful, humble young man we have come to know and appreciate at RCMHS.
Carter also has an entrepreneurial spirit. He and his good friend Parker Smith operate C and P Land Services, a land-clearing business. While Carter is still considering his plans after graduation, he knows two things for certain: he wants to continue racing, and he wants to continue growing his business with Parker.
I have no doubt that the work ethic Carter has developed through racing, his family, and his business will open many doors for him.
Perhaps my favorite moment during our conversation came when Carter began explaining why he loves racing so much. His entire expression changed. His face lit up, and the quiet young man I see walking our hallways became animated as he talked about his passion.
He explained that he loves being able to get into his race car and do something “completely different.”
And I think that is what makes Carter’s story so special. He has discovered something he truly loves, something that challenges him, pushes him to improve, and gives him tremendous joy. At such a young age, he has already experienced the rewards of hard work, the disappointment of setbacks, the excitement of victory, and the importance of perseverance.
As his principal, I am certainly proud of Carter’s eight championships and his accomplishments on the football field. But I am even more proud of the young man he has become.
Championships and trophies are wonderful achievements, but character is what truly defines a person. Carter Taylor has demonstrated that you can be fiercely competitive without being arrogant, incredibly talented without seeking attention, and successful while remaining humble and kind.
Carter, I am so glad I had the opportunity to see you race this year. You gave me a new appreciation for a sport I knew very little about, but more importantly, you reminded me that some of our students’ greatest talents and accomplishments take place far beyond the walls of our classrooms.
As you prepare for the Snowball Derby and your final months as an RCMHS Eagle, know that your school family is cheering you on.
I look forward to seeing where life’s road takes you next. Whether you are behind the wheel of a race car, growing your business, or pursuing new opportunities, I know you will approach life with the same determination, humility, and quiet confidence that have brought you this far.
Keep chasing your dreams, Carter. We are proud to call you an RCMHS Eagle!
