Recognition Ceremonies

Recognition Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for a Recognition Ceremony?

Students who participated in the Talent Identification Program 7th Grade Talent Search may qualify for Recognition Ceremonies based on SAT and ACT scores. View the score criteria for State- and Grand-level ceremonies here>.

What is a State Recognition Ceremony?

Each year Duke TIP hosts at least one state recognition ceremony in each of the 16 Talent Search states to honor students currently in the 7th Grade Talent Search who tested in December 2007 or January/February 2008 and who meet the State level qualifying score criteria. Some states have more than one due to the size of the state. The ceremony itself is similar to a graduation ceremony in that there is a keynote speaker and each honoree is called onto the stage to receive a medallion and shake hands with dignitaries. At most locations, the honorees will sit up front in alphabetical order in a designated section and the families will sit behind them. If you qualify, you will receive an invitation by mail in early April.

How do I know what State Recognition Ceremony I am assigned to?

Duke TIP will make assignments in mid-March after all the scores have been reported to Duke TIP. Invitations will go out in early April. If you reside in a state where there is only one ceremony, you will be assigned to that ceremony. If you reside in a state where there are multiple ceremonies, Duke TIP will assign you to a nearby site, however due to capacity limitations of certain facilities, it may not always be the closest site. Click here to view a calendar of state ceremony dates and locations.

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What is the Grand Recognition Ceremony?

Each year Duke TIP hosts a Grand Ceremony at Duke University to honor the students in our 16-state region who meet the Grand level qualifying score criteria. This year, the ceremony will be held in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University, Durham, NC on Monday, May 19, 2008. The ceremony itself is similar to a graduation ceremony in that there is a keynote speaker and each honoree is called onto the stage to receive a medallion and shake hands with dignitaries. If you qualify for the Grand Ceremony you will receive a separate invitation in early April.

I qualify for both ceremonies. Should I attend the Grand Ceremony and/or the State Ceremony?

Both ceremonies are similar in format, and some students will choose to attend both. We realize that factors such as distance and travel expense may make it difficult for you to attend the Grand Ceremony. At the State Ceremony, you will be recognized separately as a Grand honoree. If you only attend the Grand Ceremony, your award from the State Ceremony will be mailed to you. If you are unable to attend both ceremonies, awards from both ceremonies will be mailed to you by the end of August.

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How long does a ceremony last?

The ceremony generally lasts from 1 to 1 ½ hours. However, the hosting institution may plan optional activities before and/or after the ceremony itself. If these activities are to take place, they will be outlined in your invitation materials.

How do I let you know that I will attend a ceremony?

If your scores qualify you for a recognition ceremony, Duke TIP will send you an invitation in early April. Complete and mail the enclosed reply card only if you plan to attend.

How do I get to the ceremony?

Travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant, and are not covered by Duke TIP.

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What should I wear to the ceremony?

The main consideration is for you to be comfortable in relation to the weather and activities. Please keep in mind that you will be walking across a stage area to receive your award and to shake hands. There is always a wide range of clothing styles from very dressy to casual, and we respect your family’s decision about appropriate attire.

What happens if I am not able to attend a ceremony?

The ceremony is optional and Duke TIP recognizes that there will be scheduling conflicts that prevent a student from coming to the ceremony. If you cannot be there, please do not send the reply card back. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, your medallion will be mailed to you by the end of August.

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Why are some ceremonies held on a school day? Or not held later in the summer?

Duke TIP hosts approximately 36 ceremonies across the 16-state region within a one-month timeframe. We work around the schedules of our hosting universities and often the only time they can accommodate the ceremony is on a weekday. We cannot hold the ceremonies in the summer because they would conflict with our summer programs that many of the same students attend.

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