Escanaba senior Taylor Forvilly has been awarded the inaugural Becca Piron Scholarship, a prestigious honor unveiled by 2015 Escanaba High School graduate Rebecca Piron-Campbell. Piron-Campbell, who pursued collegiate softball at Lansing Community College and Ferris State University, initiated the scholarship to give back to the Escanaba Softball program that played a pivotal role in her academic and athletic journey.
The Becca Piron Scholarship grants $1,000 and a plaque to a deserving senior on Escanaba’s Softball team, symbolizing leadership, dedication, and community involvement. Senior candidates were required to submit a 500-word essay on their interpretation of leadership.
Piron-Campbell expressed admiration for the essays submitted by Escanaba’s three seniors—shortstop Anna Boutilier, right fielder Carly McInerney, and left fielder Taylor Forvilly. Each essay offered unique perspectives on leadership, but it was Forvilly’s poignant reflection that resonated deeply with Piron-Campbell.
“The winner, that really hit home with me, was how she talked about being a leader… even when you’re having a hard time with the game you still show up and you still be there for your teammates,” Piron-Campbell remarked.
Forvilly’s essay epitomized resilience and commitment, qualities that left a lasting impression. Honored before a recent game, Forvilly received the scholarship and plaque, igniting a renewed sense of motivation within her.
“It gave me a spark,” Forvilly shared. “I was like ‘alright, let’s do this.'”
Forvilly plans to further her education at Bay College before transferring to Northern Michigan University to pursue law, inspired by her passion for debate and argumentation.
Escanaba coach Andy Fields, acquainted with Piron-Campbell, lauded her initiative to establish the scholarship, particularly for recognizing Forvilly’s dedication both academically and on the softball field.
“For her to come back and do this for one of our softball players, especially for Taylor, somebody who works hard at academics and at the softball field, a four-year player, is just amazing,” Fields expressed. “It was a great day to be an Eskymo.”
