HOISINGTON — At the invitation of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Haley Acker of Hoisington was selected to attend the 29th-annual Governor’s Scholars Awards Program May 6 in Topeka.
The recognition ceremony honors the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors.  Scholars are selected from accredited public and private schools in the state.
  “These high school seniors have shown dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning.  They’ve earned this honor, and I want to congratulate them on this achievement,” Gov. Brownback said.  “We also should recognize their families, teachers, and mentors for helping these outstanding students achieve their academic goals.”
Acker is the daughter of Yvonda Acker, now of Dodge City, and LeRoy Acker, Plainville.  She is the granddaughter of Thayer and Kay Smith, Ellsworth.  She graduated as valedictorian from Hoisington High School and served as president of the National Honor Society.  Acker is attending Kansas State University in the fall as a biology/pre-med major.
This program is coordinated for the Governor by the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force.  It is funded by donations from private sector businesses in Kansas.  The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force was formed 29 years ago to strengthen public confidence in education.  The following organizations are members of the Task Force:  American Association of University Women, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas-National Education Association, Kansas School Public Relations Association, Kansas State High School Activities Association, and United School Administrators of Kansas.