Four Paris ISD students have achieved recognition as high scoring Duke University Talent Search participants. The Talent Search identifies academically talented seventh graders based on approved standardized test scores. Seventh grade candidates are invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination. The Talent Identification Program (TIP) then provides participants with test results and comparative information regarding their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.
Paris Junior High students recognized for outstanding college entrance examination scores by Duke University are (from the left) Zachary De La Garza, Lilly Lewis, Erica Cole, and Jake Freelen.
Erica Cole, Zachary De La Garza, Jake Freelen, and Lilly Lewis, current 7 grade students at Paris Junior High School, demonstrated outstanding performance by scoring at or above the national average on a least one part of the SAT or ACT. This achievement qualified each student for recognition at a State Level Ceremony.
Students and parents are invited to attend a celebration ceremony held at a Texas university located within the assigned geographic region. Each honoree is introduced on stage and is given a commemorative medal.
The Talent Search is the largest program of its kind representing junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. This year in Texas, 20,669 7 grade students participated in testing and 5,238 qualified for state recognition. More than two million students have participated since its inception in 1980.
Paris ISD has participated in the Talent Search since 1984. To date, 108 students have received state recognition and 7 received grand or national recognition.