Elise Haack honored by governor for academic excellence

Elise Haack, a senior at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg for outstanding academic achievement April 30 at the 21st Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Haack, of Sanborn, is the daughter of Ryan and Erica Haack.

The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 422 high school seniors from across Iowa.

Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking, based on grade point average for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Gov. Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Gregg.

Ninety-nine percent of those recognized also participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 80 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 65 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.