You might think that with no students in the building, Student Resource Officer Kevin Taylor would have nothing to do. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

While students having trouble traditionally stop by Taylor’s office on the first floor outside the Auditorium during the school day, Taylor has worked out a way to still perform his job duties despite school being virtual. In addition to remaining a resource to students by phone and email, Taylor now teaches virtual Virginia rule classes via Google Classroom for several teachers during the week. He has also transitioned two clubs to virtual platforms as well.

As an SRO, Taylor’s job is to ensure the safety and security of the school, as well as be a positive role model to students.

In addition, Taylor oversees three different programs at the high school which are supported and backed by the sheriff’s office. The Law Enforcement Explorer Post 1918 is for youth that are interested in public safety and law enforcement. The YOVASO (Youth Of Virginia Speak Out about traffic safety) club uses peer-to-peer advocacy to promote safe teen driving habits at the high school and in the community.

Recently, the Fluvanna County High School YOVASO club was among the 22 award winners recognized during the annual YOVASO Awards Ceremony on Sept. 29. At that event, the FCHS club received the YOVASO Club of the Year Award for “establishing and setting the standard for best practices in peer-led youth traffic safety programs.” In addition, Taylor was recognized by YOVASO for his outstanding support and guidance to the school’s traffic safety club during his first year as an advisor.

The final program Taylor sponsors is R.I.C.H.S (which stands for respect, integrity, courage, honor, and sacrifice). RICHS is a mentoring program which works with students one-on-one to help them set goals and stay focused on what’s important. Students are usually referred to this program by an administrator, counselor, or parent.

So how did Taylor, a Fluvanna County native, make his way to becoming an SRO? Taylor said he was bullied in school, which caused him to want to drop out numerous times. “My mother would tell me often that greatness would come,” Taylor said, so he stuck it out. After graduating high school he realized that he actually enjoyed helping people and that he wanted to join law enforcement.

In mid-2012, Taylor was employed at the Virginia Department of Corrections, then later transferred to Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail in late 2014. In February of 2016 he joined the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s office where he worked in the courts and on patrol. On Jan. 7, 2019 he transferred to the SRO unit and is now based out of the high school. “I wanted to become an SRO so that I could help make a difference in young people’s lives in the same school system I attended,” Taylor stated.

Students or parents who have an issue of concern or who would like to know about the clubs he sponsors can reach Officer Taylor Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at [email protected] or by calling (434) 589-3006.