Pueblo West senior honored with first Team Taneisha award

Jul. 15--Taneisha Schumann was Tony Taibi's favorite teacher at Pueblo West High School.

Taibi, a recently graduated senior, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two after he and his twin sister Nicole were born at 29 weeks.

While things were difficult for Taibi at times, Schumann was always encouraging and always there for the young man.

"She always encouraged me by telling me, 'you can do this,'" Taibi said. "She always told me to focus on what I can do, not what I can't. She was so positive, kind and the nicest person.

"I always knew that I could depend on her and she would always help me whenever I needed her."

Taibi said the two were close, so it was fitting that Taibi was the first recipient of the Team Taneisha Schumann Memorial Award.

Schumann, a teacher at Pueblo West High School and later Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Pueblo West, died last September at the age of 37-years-old after succumbing to lung cancer.

The award is bestowed upon a graduating senior who is regarded as an exceptional student and who represents Schumann's positivity and commitment to being a better person, and is named in the late Schumann's honor.

The award is one of many ways that Schumann's husband Ryan, and brother Tony Pechek along with other loved ones, honor and continue her legacy.

"Taneisha made everyone's day better, and Tony, so do you," read a post on the Team Taneisha Facebook page in response to Taibi accepting the award. "You were one (of) Taneisha's favorite students, and she always had stories to share of your time together. It is a pleasure to present this award to you."

Taibi spent three months in the neurological intensive care unit at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs after he was born. He had several surgeries on his legs, and had a major surgery in fifth grade.

He had to relearn to walk, going through rigorous physical therapy for a year and using a walker at school.

Taibi said his family has always done everything they can to help him. He said his sister is his best friend and has been there every step of the way.

Then, in high school he met Schumann who would become another huge part of his support system.

"I am so glad that I met her ... she helped me reach my goals," Taibi said. "I am an athlete and I graduated. I learned to encourage others and be a leader. I try to treat others with respect, kindness and to be humble.

"I think Taneisha would be very proud of me."

Taibi has loved sports his entire life.

His father, Joe, played football for the Pueblo Crusaders, Idaho Vandals and New York Giants of the National Football League. His uncles and cousins were

Taibi loved physical education and wanted to play high school sports.

It was Schumann who encouraged Taibi to continue that dream.

"She was the one who encouraged me to join the unified basketball and swim teams," he said. "I was a three-year letterman."

Taibi would have been a four-year letterman had the season not been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite missing out on swim season, prom and other senior events, Taibi said he remained positive because of lessons Schumann taught him.

"I still try to stay positive and never give up, because that is what Taneisha would want me to do," he said. "She taught me that I could do things that I never thought I would."

Taibi said that one time he hit a 3-pointer during a unified basketball game.

Pechek told Taibi that his sister was so excited he hit the shot that she leapt up and ended up falling out of her chair.

"She gave me confidence and always had the time to encourage me and help me with anything," Taibi said. "Taneisha was just amazing."

Taibi said that the 90s hip-hop group Tony! Toni! Tone! reminds him of Schumann. She would often play songs by the group his freshman year.

And while Schumann left to teach at Cedar Ridge prior to Taibi's junior year, he said he was thankful for those two years in which she taught him and inspired him to always chase his dreams.

"I will never forget her," he said. "She helped me become who I am today."

Taibi said that he believes Schumann would be proud of the person he has become, striving to treat others with respect and kindness while persevering in his own efforts.

Earning the first Team Taneisha Award is an honor for Taibi.

"This award is so special to me because it was the first time that the award was given," he said. "It lets me know that Taneisha cared about me, and I know it's true.

"It is an honor to me and my family to receive it."

You can reach Luke Lyons, associate editor of The Pueblo West View at LLyons@chieftain.com or by searching @luke_lyons14 on Twitter. Help support local journalism by subscribing to the Chieftain at chieftain.com/subscribenow.

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