MACOMB – Kate Killian, a May 2025 Macomb High School graduate, is the recipient of the McDonough County Community Foundation’s (MCCF) inaugural Chief Andy Taylor Scholarship, which honors the late Macomb Fire Department leader.
According to MCCF Chair Scott Coker, the Foundation is committed to its vision of enhancing the quality of life for the residents of McDonough County through philanthropic giving. The Foundation work with individuals, families, business or other non-profit organizations to ensure their charitable investment honors their intent, while benefiting the people of McDonough County.
“We are happy this year to partner with the Taylor family to create the Chief Andy Taylor Scholarship to honor Andy,” said MCCF Vice Chair Mick Cumbie. “Kate was selected by the MHS Faculty Council based on criteria selected by the Taylor family, which included academic excellence, demonstrated leadership skills, demonstrated work history and their acceptance and enrollment at Western Illinois University.”
Taylor, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2016, grew up in Kalamazoo, MI, but made his home in Macomb. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western, and was hired by the Macomb Fire Department in October 1996, quickly moving up the ranks in the department. Taylor served as firefighter, lieutenant, training officer, captain of operations and was the youngest person to serve as fire chief for the City of Macomb. He served as the head of the department for 10 years.
“Andy was very proud of his firefighting career, and he was a stalwart member of the Macomb and WIU communities,” Cumbie added. “This scholarship honors Andy’s memory to help students who will continue their education at his alma mater.”
Killian will major in speech pathology and minor in law enforcement at WIU, after serving internships during her senior year. She recently completed internships with the Macomb Police Department and WIU’s Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology.
“Chief Andy Taylor was an amazing leader and it is a true honor and privilege to be the inaugural recipient of the Andy Taylor Scholarship,” Killian said. “ I am deeply grateful for this recognition and support, which not only affirms my hard work and passion but also inspires me to continue making a meaningful impact in my community.”
During her time at MHS, Killian was a member of the National Honor Society, Dance Team, Art Club, Mixed Choir and Track. In the community, she has been involved in Rising Stars Summer Theatre Camp, Project Dance Company, Kids Battle of the Brushes and WIU’s Community Service Clean-Up Project. She has also been a part of the Archbold Biological Station in Florida and the Ozark Actors’ Theatre. Killian won the VFW’s Voice of Democracy local competition last fall, placed first at the district event and finished eighth in the state competition this spring.
Killian has also been committed to numerous philanthropic efforts over the years, and has raised funds for a variety of philanthropies – including mental health initiatives at Macomb High during her years there – each year for her birthday since she was four through her Community Change project.
All gifts contributed to the Foundation are managed by the MidAmerica National Bank Trust & Wealth Management Group. Gifts to the McDonough County Community Foundation can be made via cash, check, credit card, stock, bonds, grain, and mutual funds, as well as through estate planning.
For more information or to donate to the McDonough County Community Foundation, email [email protected] or visit mcdonoughcf.org.
