Macy Mashburn and Anisha Phade with Dr. Richard Courtright, a gifted education research specialist with Duke University TIP, who presented the awards in Nashville
Each year Duke University recognizes exceptional middle school students for its Talent Identification Program. Seventh-grade students who score at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level standardized test can then take above-level college-entrance exams (SAT or ACT) to further determine their abilities.
Duke TIP then hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor the seventh-graders with remarkable ACT or SAT scores. Those with the highest scores are invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony. Of 48,569 students who took the exams through Duke TIP—all of whom are in the 95th percentile of their grade level—only 2,611 were invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony.
This year GPS students Macy Mashburn and Anisha Phade qualified for Duke TIP and were recognized in a state ceremony. Of those who joined the national talent search during the 2017-18 academic year, 17,466 achieved recognition; 1,194 attend Tennessee schools or homeschools. Ms. Phade also qualified for and attended the Grand Recognition Ceremony on May 21.
“We could not be more proud of Anisha and Macy and this great accomplishment,” said Lynne Macziewski, head of Middle School. “This award speaks highly of each of them—their intellect, abilities, efforts, and drive. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this wonderful honor with them and share in the gifts and talents that they bring to our school and community.”
Working with host academic institutions, Duke TIP sponsors 36 ceremonies in 16 states throughout April, May, and June. Speakers include university administrators and professors from the host institutions, state and government officials, and accomplished former Duke TIP students.
“We are extremely proud to recognize our remarkably talented students who have demonstrated key aspects of their academic potential by achieving scores on the ACT or SAT approximately equal to the 90th percentile for college-bound high school seniors taking these tests,” said Shawna Young, executive director of Duke TIP. “As an organization, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate each of our ceremonies' honorees for such an outstanding accomplishment.”
Duke University’s talent searches help students and their families evaluate and grow their academic abilities while its educational programs provide them with motivation, challenge, inspiration, advanced interactive learning opportunities, peer interaction, and more. Qualifying students can attend enrichment programs such as Scholar Weekends or Summer Studies at campuses across the U.S.
For more information on the 7th Grade Talent Search, Duke TIP’s 4th-6th Grade Talent Search for younger students, or additional programs, visit TIP.Duke.edu.