Sade Taylor, an early childhood education major and honors student at PennWest Edinboro, has been named the campus's 2026 recipient of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Keepers of the Flame Award.

A native of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, Taylor was recognized for her leadership and commitment to student advocacy, wellness and inclusion. Through her involvement in student government, peer education and campus initiatives, she has worked to create an environment where students feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed.

“To me, belonging means walking into a room and feeling that your presence matters without having to change who you are to be there,” Taylor said. “Every day I strive to be my most authentic self while encouraging my fellow students to do the same.”

The Keepers of the Flame Award recognizes individuals from each of the State System's 14 university campuses who help create inclusive environments, inspire others and promote positive change. The 2026 awards were presented Oct. 28 during the PASSHE Summit at Kutztown University.

“The Keepers of the Flame Award recognizes people whose work makes a lasting difference for our students and university communities,” said Christa Cobb, assistant vice chancellor and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “This year's recipients have helped create opportunities for students to succeed, strengthened their campuses and demonstrated the impact that thoughtful, committed leadership can have on others.”

Taylor's extensive campus involvement reflects that commitment.

She serves in leadership roles with the Student Government Association and the Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility and Engagement (CORE), where she is a student ambassador and Building Bridges facilitator. She also serves as a wellness peer educator, trained peer responder and peer responder-course instructor.

Through those roles, Taylor helps students navigate difficult conversations, make healthy decisions and connect with campus resources. She also co-presented at the 2025 Erie County Suicide Prevention Conference and helped host the 2025 PASSHE Summit at PennWest Clarion.

Active in the PennWest Leadership Academy and Black Student Union, Taylor recently was selected to serve on the State System's Board of Governors, where she will represent student perspectives in decisions affecting universities across Pennsylvania.

Her passion for service began in high school and has continued to shape her college experience. Taylor credits her family, particularly her three younger siblings, with motivating her to lead by example.

“As they grow up and begin finding their own paths, I want to be a living example that there is no limit to what they can accomplish,” she said. “More importantly, I want them to recognize that their purpose and calling extend far beyond themselves.”

For Taylor, receiving the Keepers of the Flame Award is both an affirmation of her work and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership.

“To me, this award isn't just recognition of what I've accomplished, but a responsibility to continue creating opportunities where students not only have access but truly feel they belong,” she said. “Ultimately, I believe leadership isn't measured by the titles we hold, but by the people we impact and the doors we open for those who come after us.”

“I will always choose to sit in uncomfortable seats to help others get to comfortable places.”

Pictured above: Sade Taylor and Christa Cobb.