The following Pinewood 7th graders pictured above were commended as Duke TIP State Scholars: Abby Mandel, Sarah Ward, Rebecca Stairley and Kyle

The Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search is now beginning its twenty-eighth year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. Over 1.5 million students have completed the Talent Search since its inception in 1980. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are identified and invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination. Duke TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.

The goal is to assist young people with excellent mathematical or verbal aptitude. Students are provided with information about their abilities and introduced to a network of services and programs. Students are encouraged to enroll for several reasons: to pursue an above-level testing experience, which will provide them with more information about their academic abilities; this information can help teachers, parents, and students plan effectively for the coming high school years; to learn more about their academic abilities and be able to compare the results with other academically able youth; to learn more about educational opportunities and options for the future; and to receive recognition of their outstanding achievements.