IWA senior Kendy Taylor has had a year worth celebrating. Kendy, who’s a varsity team captain for the St. Thomas High School (STH) Cheer Team, recently won an STH Eagle Legacy Award for her contributions to STH Athletics, and she also earned a spot on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) cheer squad, where she’ll be a freshman next year studying mechanical engineering with a biomedical specialization.

Kendy was part of a program that made history at STH this year, as they competed for the first year at the National Cheerleading Association Competition and brought home the national championship. STH’s cheer coach Ann Thompson says Kendy, exemplifies the true essence of leadership, uplifting the other girls and proving that “leadership is about serving others.”

Kendy has been cheerleading since 7th grade and has taken gymnastics for 16 years. Her favorite thing about cheering, besides building strong friendships, is bringing energy and positivity to the crowd. 

Fans often underestimate how demanding the sport of cheerleading can be. “It’s not just about tumbling or performing. It’s about precision, timing, and a complete team effort,” says Kendy. “One person being out can change everything. Stunting especially requires everyone to be in sync, and that level of coordination takes hours of practice and commitment.”

Serving as co-captain also taught her valuable skills in leadership, she explains. “I learned how to lead with intention and maturity. Not every situation needs a reaction; sometimes the strongest leadership comes from knowing when to listen, when to speak up, and how to keep the team focused on the bigger picture.”

Besides cheer, Kendy exemplifies what it means to be a scholar-athlete and servant leader. She maintains a 4.59 GPA while excelling in rigorous AP and Dual Credit courses. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence across disciplines. As Executive Falcon Ambassador, Co-President of Made 4 Medicine, and a multi-year officer in the National Charity League, Kendy leads with purpose and heart. She also serves as captain of her TeamGym Level 9 team at Rise at the Warehouse. Whether she is competing in cheer or gymnastics, coaching young athletes, or focusing on her studies, Kendy brings whole-hearted commitment to everything she does. 

IWA wishes Kendy all the best as she heads north to Dallas to begin her next chapter. “Go, Kendy, Go!”