Taft participates in the majority of UIL events led by Ms. Mary-Jean Wolter for over 14 years. In 2006, the UIL Team placed 3rd overall at district competition in Falfurrias with six advancing to regional competition. Sarah Bailey and Lee Dykes came within points of advancing to state in Computer Applications and Computer Science respectively. In 2007, the team placed 4th overall at district competition with four advancing to regionals in eight events.
Computer science
The two year district champion Computer Science team also competes in hands-on Texas Computer Educator Association competition. In 2007 Lee Dykes and Thomas Putnam qualified for the state TCEA Programming competition. The team of Lee Dykes, Thomas Putnam, and Amanda Harbison competed in UIL 2A South Regional Competition in 2006 and the team of Lee Dykes, Thomas Putnam, Joel Reyes, and Domingo Hiracheta will compete as wildcard in the same competition in 2007. Lee Dykes was District champion in 2006 and received 2nd in District 2007 competition following the previous state champion. He advanced to state with 3rd at the regional level. In 2008, Domingo Hiracheta also advanced to State level in TCEA as a one-man team, behind a three-man team from Port Aransas, as well as placing third individually in Computer Science Regionals for UIL, qualifying for State.
Robotics
In 2007, Taft High School participated for the first time ever in the BEST Robotics competition. Lead by Domingo Hiracheta, the first-year rookie team swept the competition floor, winning the Regional Finals by 200 points. The team won a total of five trophies, among them the Rookie Team of the Year, and Most Agile Robot.
Theatre
The school hosts an active drama team which holds an annual talent show and participates in one act play competition. In 2006, Ariana Cancino was also selected to be part of the 2006 All-State one-act play crew. Many years the team travels to the spring Texas Educational Theater Association Theaterfest conference. The theater teacher is Kerri Ramos.
Band
The "Band with Pride", Taft High School Band had received 21 consecutive UIL sweepstakes, until the 2006-2007 school year, which entails receiving a first division rating in marching, concert performance, and sight reading. Most years it attends three Battle of the Bands-style pre-UIL competitions. Band members are also encouraged to participate in try-outs for All-Region, All-State, and All-State Jazz bands created by the Association of Texas Small School Bands. Every third year the band travels to Florida to perform in Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days.
Winterguard
The band includes an active winter guard, under director Meisha Hinojosa, that has placed in state competition in recent years with many of its members also placing in State Solo and Ensemble competitions. In 2007-2008, The Taft Ultimate Impact Winterguard Won State In The Novice Red Division. In 2008-2009, The Winterguard Won State In Scholastic A.
