High School

Kate Taylor, who is a member of select choir, was recently named a National Merit Scholar. (Photo by Lauren Cunningham)

Working her way to better future

Taylor recognized nationally

By Jill Lira

November 02, 2005

There is a common unspoken fear among most high school students today: "Am I achieving the stepping stones set for me in high school so I can reach a higher level of education?" Senior Kate Taylor was unsure how she stood academically in high school until she received word from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Even though Taylor did not receive the national scholarship, she was named a commended student by the organization. To earn this title, Taylor had to score in the top five percent of students taking the PSAT/NMSQT administered nationally at the beginning of each year for juniors. To have actually received the National Merit Scholarship, she would have had to earn a higher score than she did.

Taylor had set high goals for herself when she entered high school as a freshman and now, in her last year at Silver Lake High School, she is being recognized.

"Entering as a freshman, it was never really a set goal to be academically inclined, but I always knew I wanted to do good throughout the four years," Taylor stated.

Academics can sometimes take a back seat to extracurricular activities. However, Taylor has balanced both. She has been a part of many clubs and organizations throughout her four years including FFA, Scholars Bowl, the musicals, basketball, volleyball and track.

"My favorite activity in high school has been basketball because I have been good at it, and it is just an enjoyable sport. My least favorite was definitely volleyball my freshman year because I really am bad at volleyball," Taylor explained.

Accomplishment in clubs, organizations, sports and academics are all something to be proud of, but Taylor feels that academics bring her the most pride.

"You can't play basketball for the rest of your life unless you are lucky, but if you do good in your education, you will get a good career. Even if I got injured, it would not affect my learning," Taylor stated.

Taylor plans on earning a degree in engineering. She has already received an engineering scholarship from Kansas State University.

She said she has been inspired by the women in engineering throughout her high school career.

"I looked to the women of engineering because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be treated as an equal in a workplace where men dominate," Taylor commented.

Although there are many pressures at the senior level, Taylor looks at them with ease and views them as just another hurdle to jump.

"I expect to challenge myself this last year and get as much out of high school as I can. I was most surprised by the actual workload in English. I found it does not matter if the teacher is there or not; there is always work to be done," Taylor said.

As many of her fellow classmates, Taylor is unsure of how she feels about leaving high school.

"I am kind of scared, but I am also ready to go out into the real world and be my own person," Taylor stated.