Every year, Full Sail presents the Extraordinary Educator Award to a local teacher who lives what they teach, acts in the best interest of their students, and supports and elevates the skills of their fellow teachers. This year's recipient is Taylor Lowe, the founder and leader of Park Avenue Christian Academy's Media Academy.

Taylor is an Emmy-winning motion graphics designer and video producer. He also graduated from Full Sail University in 2011 with a master's degree in Media Design. He was hired by PACA in 2018 to lead a campus-wide digital transformation with the latest Microsoft technologies.

As PACA's Media Academy Director, he teaches courses on video editing and effects, video game design, sound engineering, and more. Taylor established the Media Academy to expose students to industry-standard design software at an early age. Their projects mimic the rigorous schedule they can expect as media professionals.

"This is by far one of the most rewarding facets of my job," Taylor says. "Knowing that time invested now will enact generational change on these students' lives is infinitely rewarding as an educator."

Taylor also established an esports league at PACA that frequently plays at Full Sail. "They love to compete in the tournaments hosted by Full Sail Labs. Our team has won two of the three Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments and placed third in the other… Full Sail Labs is the perfect outlet for our students to compete and show off their skills," he says.

In addition, the PACA league supports the community with a food drive. So far, they have provided more than 5,800 meals to hungry families.

Esports gives Taylor an opportunity to support his fellow educators by hosting three of Full Sail's esports-focused Professional Development events. He also serves as a consultation resource to help other schools develop their gaming programs.

Taylor Lowe's commitment to supporting his students, fellow teachers, and community make him an inspiring educator. Full Sail is proud to acknowledge his achievements.