"She is easily the most gifted:" Milwaukee high school student nominated for big scholarship

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee High School student has been nominated  for a big scholarship by a local homeless shelter for her outstanding volunteerism.

She looks like an ordinary student, but to many, Reiauna Taylor is an inspiration.

"Always trusting there is going to be something better. Always trusting there is going to be something more. That is who she is," said Mindy Pitchford.

Mindy Pitchford works at Milwaukee Rescue Mission. She got to know Reiauna in 2013 when Reiauna and her family fell on hard times, and ended up staying at Joy House shelter.

While staying there, Reiauna started volunteering in a tutoring program for children at the shelter. Now, two years later and a junior at the Milwaukee Academy of Science, she has a job at the shelter, doing what she loves.

"Understanding their stories and just letting them know that there is someone here for you, I can be there for you," Reiauna said.

Reiauna says being at the shelter taught her what's important in life.

"Being there just taught me a different level of humbleness. Here, at school, the kids here argue about...oh my shoes are better than yours, I`m better than you...this and that. And I`m just like, it`s not that, it`s really not," Reiauna said.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission just nominated Reiauna for the Kohl's Cares Scholarship program -- which could mean a $10,000 scholarship.

Reiauna works hard in high school because she sees herself going to UW-Madison one day to become a surgeon. That is what she would like to put this money towards. And those who know her, can't think of anyone more deserving to win.

"She deserves to move on with her life and accomplish anything that God has for her," Pitchford said.

Reiauna should find out in May if she is awarded the scholarship.

Local winners get a $50 Kohl's Gift Card.

Regional winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship for higher education.

National winners will receive a $10,000 scholarship, plus Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to
a nonprofit of the student’s choice.