Brentwood High School senior Taylor Pennington has been named a 2026 Rosemary Zander Award recipient, one of the highest honors presented by the Special School District of St. Louis County.

The Rosemary Zander Award recognizes students who demonstrate determination, resilience and compassion, while making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Since 1988, students have been honored for achievements in areas such as academics, communication, vocational training, employment, independent living skills, community service and extracurricular involvement.

Recipients are selected through a competitive process by a panel of judges who review nominations from Special School District staff across St. Louis County. Pennington is among a select group of students to receive this year’s award.

“Year after year, Taylor Pennington has learned to persevere through the good and bad times,” said Carisa Dalton, a special education teacher at Brentwood High School. “As she has matured into a young adult, she has strengthened her communication skills to advocate for her needs and wants, and to express herself in a meaningful and productive manner. Each job she experiences is an opportunity to take what she already knows and apply it to new situations.”

Dalton added that Pennington’s positive attitude and willingness to grow set her apart.

“Taylor is always positive and optimistic, happily accepts feedback with a smile, and embodies the spirit of this award through persevering, being prepared and staying optimistic,” Dalton said.

The Special School District of St. Louis County provides special education services to students with disabilities across St. Louis County, supporting thousands of learners each year through a wide range of programs and services.