Taft High seniors Hannah Covington and Jacob Gonzales have received the fall scholar-athlete awards. Athletic Director Pete Lango made the announcement at the fall sports banquet Wednesday. Neither student was present so he caught up with them the next day to make the presentation.

Hannah, ranked No. 3 in the senior class, earned a 4.2 GPA in quarter 1 while running cross-country as the No. 2 girl on the team.

Jacob earned a perfect 4.0 while playing inside linebacker and tight end on the football team. He made second team all league at both positions.

Jacob, president of the Associated Student Body, plans to play football and study nursing at the University of Concordia in Wisconsin.

Hannah has narrowed her college choices to four in Utah, where her extended family lives. Hannah said she was a bit surprised at the honor because she earned two B’s in quarter 1 but that was more than offset because she took two AP classes and a college class.

Jacob said he struggled in school until his younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia. Jacob said, “I told myself I would be a better person for him (his brother, who is now in remission). Jacob had trouble with reading but finally became a good reader in middle school. “I thank God for helping me get to where I am today.”