News Summary
Fourteen middle school students from Lexington Two have been honored as South Carolina Junior Scholars for their exceptional academic talent. This accolade is awarded to eighth-graders demonstrating high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT standardized test. The initiative aims to support gifted students and enhance educational opportunities. Honored students represent various schools within the district and were recognized at a special reception, highlighting the district’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence.
Lexington, South Carolina
Fourteen middle school students from Lexington Two have been recognized as South Carolina Junior Scholars, an accolade awarded to exceptional eighth-graders demonstrating outstanding academic talent. This program, developed by the South Carolina Department of Education, is part of the state’s initiative to support intellectually gifted students and enhance educational opportunities.
The selection process for the Junior Scholar Program involves a rigorous evaluation where students must achieve high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT standardized test. Specifically, candidates are required to score 550 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, or 530 or higher on the Math section. Meeting these criteria allows students to join a network of peers recognized for their academic excellence.
The honored students represent various schools within the Lexington Two district. From Busbee Creative Arts Academy, the recognized Junior Scholars are Anthuan Samudio and Aiden Brittain. Fulmer Middle School boasts the following Junior Scholars: Chandler Dorn, Peter Ellis, Arianna Helgeson, Ivy (Bryn) Smith, and Parker Vaughan. Northside Middle School includes Roselynn Alvarado-Silva, Nora Greer, and Madalyn Waddell among its distinguished scholars. Lastly, the students from Pine Ridge Middle School recognized as Junior Scholars are Ethan Gillette, Pari Patel, Eli Self-Vazquez, and Lucas Shumpert.
In celebration of their achievements, the Junior Scholars were honored at a special reception held prior to the Lexington Two monthly board meeting. The event provided an opportunity for families and educators to acknowledge the hard work and dedication displayed by these talented students. A group photo was taken of the Pine Ridge Middle School Junior Scholars in attendance after the reception.
The South Carolina Junior Scholar Program aims to identify and nurture young students with exceptional capabilities, ensuring they receive the recognition needed to encourage their continued intellectual growth. This initiative not only helps in broadening students’ educational interests but also promotes overall scholastic achievement within the school system.
By acknowledging the achievements of these 14 middle school students, Lexington Two district is reinforcing its commitment to supporting gifted students and enhancing the educational landscape for future generations. The recognition of the Junior Scholars serves as an inspiration for other students to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors.
The effort to identify and foster giftedness in students aligns with broader objectives within the South Carolina education system, which seeks to address the diverse needs of all learners by providing appropriate programs and resources to challenge and develop their abilities.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The State: Local News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- SW Lex Ledger: Brookland-Cayce High School Education Foundation
- Google Search: Brookland-Cayce High School
- Cola Daily: Lexington School District Two Performing Arts Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Performing Arts
- Post and Courier: Columbia Area High School Accreditation
- Google News: Columbia Area High School Accreditation
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