FRONT PORCH

Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, has sponsored the Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic baseball game for the fifth consecutive year. The $5,000 sponsorship offsets the costs of hosting the game, allowing the proceeds from the game to go to support the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund, which covers a student’s four-year tuition at The Out-of-Door Academy’s Upper School.

The 2024 Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic took place on March 26 at the Taylor Emmons Memorial Baseball Field at ODA. The ODA Varsity Baseball team played Mariner High School of Cape Coral. ODA won the game, 11-0.

The Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund was originally created in honor of Michael and Katie Emmons’ son, Taylor Emmons, a 2009 ODA graduate who played on the baseball team. Taylor was fatally hit by a car in December 2010. Following the tragedy, the family asked for donations in lieu of flowers and used the funds to start a scholarship program to help socio-economically diverse students experience the independent, college preparatory education at ODA’s Upper School.

Michael and Katie Emmons recently chose the 14th recipient of the scholarship, Maayan Tedeschi. Mayan was selected based on his dedication, academic prowess and embodiment of ODA’s core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and responsibility.

Students at ODA’s Upper School learn in an environment that encourages them to achieve their highest academic goals and build character through a balanced program of academics. “We created this scholarship for students that cannot afford the school but really deserve a chance,” said Katie Emmons “Each year it is given to a rising 9th grader.

The Emmons gather past and present students each year around the holidays to catch up with them. “We really enjoy staying in touch with the kids,” said Katie.

Laura Murphy, director of admissions at ODA, said, “Thank you to Neal Communities for the donation to the Taylor Emmons Memorial Classic. This scholarship truly changes the lives of these kids. It is so special.”

Over the past five years, Neal Communities has donated a total of $25,000 to the fund. With a core belief that “Where You Live Matters,” Neal Communities has given more than $8 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where they live, work and build.