Top Students from Virginia are recognized by Johns Hopkins University for academic excellence
BALTIMORE, Spring 2013 —Chiraag Govind, a student from Oakton, was recently honored as one of the brightest young students in the nation at a statewide awards ceremony for academically advanced children sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY).
The Center honored Chiraag, a participant in the CTY Talent Search, for his exceptional performance on a rigorous, above-grade-level test given to academically talented second-through- eighth-grade students.
Find out what's happening in Oaktonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During the CTY Talent Search, which is going on now, advanced young learners take above-grade level tests designed for older students as a means of gaining insight into their abilities. Seventh and eighth graders take the SAT or ACT—the same tests used for college admissions. These students, along with second through sixth graders, can take the School and College Ability Test (SCAT), an above-level test.
Chiraag, a student at Sunrise Valley Elementary School, was one of more than 40,000 students from over 120 countries who participated in the CTY Talent Search. Because of the difficulty of the tests, only 25 to 30 percent of students who participated earned an invitation to a CTY Awards Ceremony where they are individually honored for their academic performance and potential. Most students honored in 2013 CTY Award Ceremonies also qualified academically for CTY's summer courses and online classes.
Find out what's happening in Oaktonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Today we face critical global problems that require the best minds of the future to solve using discipline, creativity, and innovation," says Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY. "It's inspiring and reassuring to see this group of some of the best and brightest students emerging and to know that they will become tomorrow's thought leaders and innovators."
This spring, some 13,700 CTY Talent Search honorees were invited to participate in 49 CTY Award Ceremonies at 27 sites.
Virginia's 2013 ceremonies were scheduled at the University of Richmond on Sunday, May 5, University of Mary Washington on Saturday, May 18 and John Hopkins University on Saturday May 11.
About The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
A global leader in gifted education since 1979, CTY (cty.jhu.edu) is focused on recognizing academic talent in exceptional K-12 students and supporting their growth with courses, services, and resources specifically designed to meet their needs. Education Week called CTY "one of a set of remarkable nonpublic institutions dedicated to the discovery and nurture of the most talented young people for the highest levels of accomplishment."
CTY draws students from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and some 120 countries. CTY provided more than $5.5 million in financial aid to over 11,000 students in 2011-12. More than 17 percent of students identified in the 2011-12 CTY Talent Search are from underrepresented groups.
Gifted students qualifying for the federal free- or reduced-price lunch program may join the Talent Search virtually for free.
For more information about enrolling in the CTY Talent Search, go to www.cty.jhu.edu
Media colleagues: Please contact CTY for a complete list of students in your state honored at recent ceremonies.