Taya will be featured on Dakota News Now during the 6:00PM news on Monday, January 19 and again on the Dakota News Now morning news on Tuesday, January 20 between 6:00AM and 7:00AM.
- Scholar
- Taya Haselhorst
- Date
- January 18, 2026 - January 24, 2026
- School
- Brookings High School
- GPA
- 4.05
- Activities
- Taya Haselhorst is an exceptionally dedicated student and a determined individual whose tenacity, compassion, and leadership have defined her high school career. She sets ambitious goals for herself and consistently achieves them through hard work, initiative, and service to others. FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) – Grades 9–12 Taya has been deeply involved in FCCLA throughout high school, taking on numerous leadership roles and completing impactful community projects that have reached far beyond her local community. Community Service Projects Each of Taya’s projects were independently developed and presented at the South Dakota State FCCLA competition. “Get Loud for Reading Out Loud” This project focused on advocating for childhood literacy and raising awareness of the one million word gap—the difference in vocabulary exposure between children who are read to regularly and those who are not. Taya organized a book drive that collected 133 books, which were donated to new elementary teachers, Head Start classrooms, and the local hospital. She and her peers also read aloud in preschool classrooms and created literacy brochures for families of newborns to emphasize the importance of reading from birth. “Accommodations Are NOT Negotiations” During her sophomore year, Taya co-led a project advocating for students with 504 plans and IEPs. After partnering with the school’s special education department to survey affected students, she discovered that only 30% consistently had their accommodations met. Taya and her team presented these findings to faculty and district administrators, providing resources including an Accommodation Management Plan to improve compliance and understanding. Over 500 informational brochures were distributed to educators across the community. “Kits for Kids” As a junior, Taya designed a project to support children hospitalized at Sanford Children’s Hospital. She contacted over 20 local businesses for raffle donations, raising more than $550. Half of the funds were donated directly to the hospital’s Child-Life program, while the other half was used to assemble themed sensory kits for young patients. Taya personally delivered the kits and met with a Child-Life specialist to learn more about supporting children’s emotional well-being during hospitalization. FCCLA Leadership 1st Vice President (Sophomore–Junior Year) As Vice President Taya managed the chapter point system and attendance records, recognized member involvement and achievements, co-chaired fundraisers and chapter events and supported the chapter president in carrying out responsibilities. President (Senior Year) As Chapter President Taya oversaw all chapter activities, fundraisers, and events; led officer and member meetings, she collaborated with advisers to develop the chapter’s annual program of work, managed chapter communications and resolved conflicts, and created monthly agendas and ensured smooth chapter operations. State Leadership Team Candidate As a freshman, Taya ran for the South Dakota FCCLA National Outreach State Leadership Team, a selective group that promotes awareness of national issues through service and advocacy. Although she was not selected, she completed the full candidacy process, including submitting an application, resume, and knowledge assessment, and delivering a presentation on a social issue during a formal interview. HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) – Grades 11–12 Taya’s passion for healthcare was further demonstrated through her involvement in HOSA. Respiratory Therapy State Competition (Junior Year) Taya researched the respiratory therapy profession by interviewing practitioners, shadowing professionals, and studying related medical conditions. She created and presented a professional presentation to a panel of certified respiratory therapists and competed in clinical skill assessments, including newborn evaluations, airway management, and vital signs. She placed Top 5 in the state and qualified for the International Leadership Conference. Chapter Treasurer (Senior Year) In her role as treasurer Taya managed chapter funds and budgets, organized fundraising events, and collaborated with team members to oversee chapter operations. National Honor Society – Grades 11–12 Nominated by her teachers for academic excellence and character, Taya joined the National Honor Society her junior year. To qualify, she maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher, submitted volunteer records and recommendations, and passed a character evaluation. As a member, she continues to participate in community service and leadership projects throughout the school year. She was also a National Merit Candidate! Taya's Volunteer Experience Shows her Servant's Heart. Taya was a Mentor for Hard-of-Hearing Students (Grades 10–12) where she provided academic and social mentorship twice weekly for two elementary students who are hard of hearing. She also volunteered at Camp UBU (Lake Poinsett) where she served as a Camp Counselor her Sophomore year. At Camp UBU Taya supervised the elementary girls’ cabin, ensured camper safety, organized activities, and interpreted between American Sign Language and English for hard-of-hearing campers. She also had a hand in the District-wide initiative of the Adaptive PE Night. where Taya helped lead adaptive sports activities for students with disabilities. She is currently completing an internship as an Inpatient Hospital Volunteer at healthcare facilities in Brookings and at the Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, volunteering at least 10 hours per week. Taya has worked as a Childcare Facility Assistant, where she supported early childhood development through structured play, social learning, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. She has also worked as a Private Tutor, helping students in Advanced Algebra II and Physics. And finally as a Childcare Provider (Grades 6–12) where Taya provided dependable childcare services as a nanny and babysitter for multiple families. Taya provided me with a personal statement to explain her passion for the Health Care Industry: “Because of my own experiences with hearing loss, I’ve spent much of my life in hospitals and with medical specialists. While many healthcare professionals were kind and supportive, a few were not as sensitive to the emotional experiences of children in care. Those moments inspired me to become a healthcare provider who prioritizes not only children’s physical health, but also their emotional comfort. I want to help make hospitals a place where kids feel safe, understood, and cared for.”
- Cooperative
- Taya Haselhorst is from Brookings, SD, located within Sioux Valley Energy, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.