Before Taylor Childers Whisenant began attending UAH, she laid the groundwork for her academic future. The Limestone County native and West Limestone High School graduate turned down several award offers from other universities - deciding to accept a scholarship from UAH, and declaring a major in civil engineering. As a high school student, Whisenant graduated with a 4.26 grade point average and actively participated in the Student Government Association, Scholars Bowl, and more importantly The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program. FIRST, a national program was designed by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire school age youngsters interest and participation in science and technology.