Former Burlington-Edison drama teacher donates $5,000 to send students to nationals

BURLINGTON - After a fundraiser led by drama club students didn't quite reach its goal, former Burlington-Edison drama teacher Jan Taylor donated the remaining funds, allowing the drama club to go to nationals this year.

Current drama club director Holly Wood said the $5,000 that Taylor donated is the single largest cash donation the club has received in Wood's time at Burlington-Edison.

Taylor, who led the drama club for 30 years, said she knows how difficult it can be to raise money at the end of the year for nationals, and how it must be significantly more difficult as gas prices continue to increase.

"They're deserving, and they need to have the opportunity, and I felt like I had the capability of making that dream come true ... I hope the kids have a great time and do really well," Taylor said.

Taylor said she found out that the drama club needed additional donations because of a Skagit Valley Herald story about Burlington-Edison High School's "Musical Roulette" - the student-led fundraiser that finished May 16.

Several others donated after the fundraiser, which Wood said will support going to nationals, and excess funds will be used to support next year's shows.

When Taylor was the director, she was able to take the students to nationals often. The first year the group went, nationals were in Chicago. Students were able to stay in a famous old hotel, explore the city and participate in workshops.

Also during Taylor's time as director from the mid-1970s through 2005, she served as Washington State Thespian Director and took students to London during spring break to see musicals.

"I just want to see the program survive and continue enough so they're not having any problems with (funding)," Taylor said, adding that Wood has been a solid addition to the program.

"I want her to have the best opportunity with these kids."

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 7:04 AM.