Duke TIP students offer their advice to President Obama
Contact: Leslie Maxwell
Duke University Talent Identification Program
(919) 668-9127
leslie.maxwell@duke.edu
Duke TIP-sponsored writing contest lets students set the agenda
Updated: May 15, 2009
DURHAM, N.C. — Fifth- and sixth-grade students participating in the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s 4th/5th Grade Talent Search gave their advice to President Obama, demonstrating their knowledge of issues facing the United States – and the world – in today’s society.
As a part of the 4th/5th Grade Talent Search, six students received honors for their advice to President Obama through the Writing Contest.
“We’re so impressed with the caliber of the writing that all of the students who submitted essays in the Duke TIP Writing Contest showed – and especially with the writing that these six students demonstrated,” said Joy Baldwin, Director of Identification and Support Services for Duke TIP. “These academically gifted students illustrate an awareness of the world around them and an understanding of the U.S. political system. We’re impressed with their essays and are proud to have them as a part of the Duke TIP 4th/5th Grade Talent Search.”
1st place │ 5th grade: Ashli Alexander, Newman, Ga.
Ashli is a member of the Junior Beta Club and is class president of the 4-H Club. Ashli’s favorite subject is math, and she loves to read, play the piano and take gymnastics. One day, Ashli hopes to become a pediatrician. Read Ashli’s essay >>
2nd place │ 5th grade: Shreya Vikas, Katy, Texas
Shreya loves playing the piano and performing in theater. Outside, she loves swimming and basketball. Her favorite subjects are math, science and writing. Shreya hopes to be able to continue to write and be creative. Read Shreya’s essay >>
3rd place │ 5th grade: Valentina Lohr, Athens, Ga.
Valentina is a competitive gymnast in USAG Level 5 at a gymnastics academy in Athens, Ga. She plays the piano and recently placed second in the Northeast-Northwest Georgia District 4-H Music Performance competition. Read Valentina’s essay >>
1st place │ 6th grade: Noah Fried, Atlanta, Ga.
Noah’s favorite academic subjects are reading and history. Outside of the classroom, Noah loves to play soccer, basketball and tennis, and he enjoys swimming and martial arts. He also likes acting and art. Read Noah’s essay >>
2nd place │ 6th grade: Caroline Bay, San Antonio, Texas
Caroline loves to work in the garden, read and design clothes, and she one day hopes to be a gardener, artist, fashion designer or botanist. After school, Caroline plays volleyball and soccer, and she loves reading. Read Caroline’s essay >>
3rd place │ 6th grade: Angelo Ganno, McAllen, Texas
Angelo loves reading and writing, and he spends free time playing computer games, playing chess, working on video production, studying drama or traveling. Read Angelo’s essay >>
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About Duke TIP: The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a non-profit educational organization that is recognized as a leader in identifying and serving the educational needs of academically gifted youth. Through identification, recognition, challenging educational programs, information, advocacy and research, Duke TIP provides resources to gifted students, their parents, educators, and schools for the development of the students’ optimal educational potential.
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