Academics are important for Maize South High School 2024 graduate Abigail Amend. So important, in fact, that Abigail spent the last two years on the campus of Fort Hays State University in the KAMS (Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science) program.

It’s an early college program for high school juniors and seniors focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). 

Abigail took classes including calculus, engineering, physics, and chemistry for college credit. She graduated from Maize South High with 62 college credits. She plans to attend Kansas State University in the fall to study kinesiology and eventually wants to become a physical therapist. 

“I really want to study the human body,” Abigail said. “I love learning more about the human body and the mechanics of the body. It’s just very fascinating to me.”

She was a KAMS ambassador her junior and senior year, a Custer Hall Council representative, and was on the Dean’s Honor Roll all four semesters, completing her work with a 4.0 GPA. 

“Abbie Amend came to the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science as a determined, focused, confident young lady,” said Sherri Matlock, director of early college programs for Fort Hays State. “Leaving her high school world to engage in and be immersed in a college setting at FHSU was uncharted territory for Abbie.”

Matlock said, “Abbie embraced it wholeheartedly, found her niche and KAMS friends, joined research with professors in the biology department, and was forever changed. Abbie was always a positive, energetic, fun-loving, and yet serious student all at the same time.”

In her spare time, Abigail is a powerlifter, which she’s been doing since her freshman year of high school. She also enjoys crochet and played the flute while attending Maize South High.

She is the daughter of Trisha Amend, who teaches in Wellington, and has two siblings, Aubrey and Austin. 

Matlock said, “Thank you, USD 266, for your continued excellence in educating bright, exceptional students!”

Note: Maize USD 266 is highlighting some of its Class of 2024, which included 567 graduates from Maize High School and Maize South High School. Congratulations to all of our graduates! 

Check out all of the stories in the series

• Grad Easton Roth, who has devoted much time at WSU Tech’s welding program, is heading to Iowa Western Community College to play baseball. Click here to read his story.
• Grad Raheel Bsharat, who has been cooking for her family and community for years, is pursuing a degree in Wichita State University’s hospitality program. Click here to read her story.
• Grad Devin Short, who served as a U.S. Senate page during his junior year in Washington D.C., is returning to the capital to attend Georgetown. Click here to read his story.