The Share America Foundation, Inc. recently awarded the Pearl and Floyd Franks scholarship to Ringgold fiddler, Deborah Taylor, at its Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring Testimony Quartet, Bill Stobaugh and Debbie Joplin at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.

The events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks. The scholarships honor students excelling the Appalachian musical arts.

Taylor, 17, was initially selected to be the 2007 Catoosa County designee for the scholarship and is now attending Covenant College. She received a $750 scholarship.

Taylor appeared at the event and performed three songs including “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and Dottie Rambo’s “We Shall Behold Him.”

“We are so excited to see our first designee now pursuing her college career,” said Joe Turner, Share America chairman.

Taylor said she hopes to become a doctor.

Taylor is a home-school graduate from Ringgold who began playing the fiddle five years ago. She also plays piano and sings.

“I heard singer Josh Groban’s violinist and that made me want to take lessons,” she said. “Instead of the violin, I began fiddle lessons, and that was something that seemed to be so much more relaxed and fun that I haven’t been able to stop playing since.”

Taylor has competed in several fiddle competitions in the Tennessee Valley where she has placed on occasion.

Often seen behind her playing guitar is her grandfather Lewis Taylor.

“He helps me with my timing by playing guitar rhythm,” she said. “He is a great musician who is a lot of help to me.”

Taylor is the daughter of Derek and Jeanne Babb Taylor and granddaughter of Roger and Sandra Babb, Lewis Taylor, Betty Taylor and step-granddaughter of Susan Taylor.