Honoring a Legacy: Taylor Exemplar Academy Dedicates Library to Jim Lakatos

A new small library at Taylor Exemplar Academy has been dedicated in honor of an important member of the school community, James "Jim" Lakatos. Lakatos served on the TEA Board from March 2015 until his passing in July 2022. The library, located near the front of the building, stands as a symbol of his dedication and support for the school.

Principal Zemen Marrugi remembers Lakatos as someone who truly understood what it takes to lead a school. “Jim was so supportive,” she shared. “He always asked the best questions in meetings and was deeply invested in helping our school succeed. He knew what it took to run a building, and I’m really grateful for that.”



Marrugi also recalled how he often asked, “What can the Board do to support the school and its leadership?" His dedication left a lasting impression on everyone who had the chance to work with him.

At the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, Marrugi announced that the school would be dedicating the small library to Lakatos. What made the moment even more special was the fact that his wife, Pam, works at the Taylor Community Library. “When I made the announcement, Pam started crying,” Marrugi recalled. “I knew it was a meaningful tribute, but I didn’t realize just how personal it would be for her. Later, when I found out Pam works at the library, it all came together.”



The library may be small, but it’s a wonderful resource for the entire community. Anyone can leave or take a book, encouraging connections between students, staff, and families. “It’s a great way to build a positive culture and engage our families,” Marrugi explained.

A plaque on the library reads, “Taylor Exemplar Academy Small Library in honor of Jim Lakatos,” along with the years he served on the board.



In addition to the library dedication, the school also presented Pam with a special shadow box, which included Jim’s nameplates from board meetings. “I wanted it to be something special for her,” Marrugi shared, “a way to remember all the good Jim did.”

Marrugi hopes the small library will continue to honor Lakatos’ legacy and serve as a lasting reminder of his impact on the school. “It's a great way to honor a wonderful person.”
About Taylor Exemplar Academy
Taylor Exemplar Academy is a free public charter school in Taylor, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through 12th grade in partnership with Taylor Preparatory High School, a school that falls under National Heritage Academies (NHA) portfolio. NHA is a charter school management company in Grand Rapids, Mich. which has more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

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