When Nakienya Ledford walked across the graduation stage at Tellico Plains High School in May, it was no doubt she had taken academics seriously.

Ledford's graduation robe was covered in various pins, medals and sashes from all the awards she had received throughout her educational journey. A two-time inductee of the United States Achievement Academy, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a member of the graduating top ten in her class, the recipient of the Citizenship Award at graduation, an active member of the Beta Club, and many other clubs, there isn't much that Ledford hasn't been involved in.

"Just about everything," she laughed.

Now Ledford can add being invited to a prestigious ceremony to that list.

Ledford recently traveled to the National Society of High School Scholars' (NSHSS) 10th Anniversary Scholars Day Recognition Program in Washington, D.C. She received a medal in Recognition of Academic Achievement and Pursuit of Excellence at the event, held at Georgetown University on August 3.

The program was invitation only, and placed Ledford among the best high school students across the country.

See full story in the Sunday, August 19, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.