Congratulations to the public schoolchildren of Berkeley County

Berkeley County's public schools clearly are serving students well, as 36 of these have been recognized as Duke TIP Scholars and more than 150 others have been named South Carolina Junior Scholars -- a district record.

Every year, Duke University’s “Talent Identification Program” (TIP) identifies academically qualified seventh-graders and invites them to complete college entrance examinations (SAT or ACT) alongside high-school students. They are provided with detailed information about their test scores and abilities, and are introduced to a variety of academic resources, such as summer programs, field studies and scholar weekends.

“The purpose of the program is to recognize students with exceptionally high intellectual ability, and to provide opportunities for them to broaden that ability,” said Merrie Fisher, Coordinator of Academic Programs. “We are thrilled with the number of students who achieved Scholar status this year.”
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The Berkeley County School District also named 156 students as Junior Scholars, a district record. Scholars are invited to participate in the district’s free Junior Scholar Institute, taking place July 11-21 at Westview Middle School. This rigorous summer program offers courses such as physics, world issues, language immersion, creative writing and technology. They also receive an ‘Award of Merit’ certificate from the South Carolina Department of Education, and may be invited to attend summer opportunities at participating South Carolina colleges and universities.

Here's to the fine classroom teachers and education support personnel who bring great educational opportunities to Berkeley County's public schoolchildren every day: Congratulations.