Submitted

Hays High received word Taylor Weidenhaft has been named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Taylor is among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.  Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who took the 2018 PSAT.  Although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, they typically have an advantage in other scholarship competitions.

Taylor is the daughter of Brandon and Julie Weidenhaft. Taylor has taken numerous honors courses and advanced placement courses throughout her high school career.  Taylor has been active in 4-H for 11 years. During high school, Taylor has been involved in show horses throughout Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Taylor has been on Student Council all four years.  She has participated in Red Cross Club for two years, and National Honor Society for two years. She has participated in Math Relays all four years, and Science Olympiad her senior year. Taylor played soccer for the Indians all four years of high school, and basketball and volleyball her freshman year. She has also been involved with Encounter youth group while in high school.

“In a nation that values excellence, it is important to publicly recognize the hard work and achievements of scholastically talented young people and their families and schools that nurture their development. We hope this recognition will serve to encourage all students to strive to realize their potential. Congratulations, Taylor!” said USD 489 in a news release.