School District Five student named in top scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search

For Immediate Release – January 13, 2026

School District Five student named in top scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search

IRMO – Dutch Fork High School student Hunter Taylor has been named in the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

The Dutch Fork High School STEM Honors Program senior was chosen out of nearly 3000 applicants. For being named in the top 300 scholars he will be awarded $2,000, and Dutch Fork High School will be awarded $2,000 to support future STEM-related activities. Taylor will now compete for one of 40 finalists and a minimum of $25,000 and could win $250,000 if he is the overall winner. The top 40 finalists will be announced on January 21.

"We are very excited for Hunter to receive this prestigious recognition and are eagerly awaiting to see if he is named a top 40 finalist,” Dutch Fork High School Principal Reed Gunter said. “In addition to his natural aptitude for academics, he is someone who gives everything he's got into all that he does, and that is what truly makes him exceptional. We are very proud to have him as a Dutch Fork High School STEM student!"

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations.

Scholars’ research projects cover 20 categories, from Animal Sciences to Space Science. Other students chose to focus on areas such as Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, and Environmental Science.

“Congratulations to the top 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Publisher, Science News. “Their research highlights the creativity, rigor and determination that’s pushing forward the future of scientific discovery. We are honored to recognize their achievements and support their continued pursuit of STEM excellence.”

Now in its 104th year, Society for Science has played a significant role in educating the public about scientific discoveries as well as in identifying future leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. This year marks the 85th Science Talent Search and its growing legacy of championing scientific curiosity and empowering young people who are driven to make our world better.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, more than 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are generating innovative solutions to solve significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries. It provides students with a national stage to present new ideas and challenge conventional ways of thinking.

For over eight decades, the Science Talent Search has rewarded talented high school seniors who dedicate countless hours to original research projects and present their results in rigorous reports that resemble graduate school theses. Collectively, STS alumni have received millions of dollars in scholarships and gone on to be awarded Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, MacArthur Fellowships and numerous other accolades.

Learn more at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/.

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