County Commissioners Honor 17-Year-Old Penn State Junior

She’s just 17 years old, and already she has experienced more in her young life than many of the students she helps teach at Penn State University. Yes, you read that right. A 17-year-old guiding college-age students.

Taylor Guelich graduated from Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School in 2014 at the age of 15 and is preparing to begin her junior year at Penn State. If all goes according to plan, she’ll graduate with a master’s degree by the age of 20.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by everyone here,” said Guelich, daughter of Dan and Kirsten Guelich, of Sandy Ridge, Rush Township, while addressing the Centre County Board of Commissioners during their July 12 meeting. “My hard work is paying off, and I’m very lucky to have the support that I do around me. It’s surely been interesting.”

Taylor was invited to the meeting by Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins, who announced Guelich would be featured in this month’s edition of The Penn Stater with the distinction of being the youngest full-time student in Penn State University’s history.

“I just think it’s pretty amazing,” said Dershem. “Look at what most kids are doing these days at the age of 17, and here we have a phenomenal student that is going to do phenomenal things with her life.

“It just goes to show that if you have a gift, and you use it, it’s an amazing life you can have.”

Guelich briefly discussed her immediate status at Penn State, and shed a little light on what may be in the future.

“I’m studying architectural engineering,” she said. “After I graduate, I’d like to feel things out and get some experience, but eventually, I like to design and own my own company.”

She’s on the fast track to do just that as the experience and education continues to grow. She’s currently working as an intern at Penn State’s physical plant, and she’s also educating students through the university’s Teacher Assistant program.

“It’s a great experience learning and working with all kinds of people,” she told Centre County Gazette after the meeting. “I’m thankful I can be here in such an incredible educational environment. I’ve had a great time so far, and I’m learning so much. I love Penn State.”

She said her accelerated journey wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the programs and classes she was able to take while at P-O.

“I had a lot of support from the district and administration while I was at P-O, and that definitely helped,” she said. “When I left high school, I already had 24 college credits.”

Penn State may add another Guelich to its ranks in 2017. Her brother Payton, a letter-winning basketball player, golfer and academic standout, will be a senior at P-O in the fall.