HARROGATE, Tenn. — Elizabeth Cooper, a seventh grader at J. Frank White Academy (JFWA) of Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), was invited to join the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s prestigious 7th Grade Talent Search.

Duke TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search helps academically talented students identify their strengths, develop their abilities and interests, and celebrate their achievements at a crucial time when they are forming their identities and looking ahead to the future. Participants learn about their strengths with an above-level test (either the ACT or SAT) and receive benefits like specialized publications and resources, educational guidance, recognition of their abilities, and academic challenges. Enrolling in the 7th Grade Talent Search is also the first step to attending TIP’s renowned online and face-to-face educational programs.

Each year, Duke TIP identifies a group of academically talented students in the United States based on their exceptional grade-level standardized test scores. Cooper, of Harrogate, Tennessee, scored at or above the 95th percentile qualify. She is invited to participate in the 7th Grade Talent Search and to take the ACT or SAT, which are designed for college-bound 11th and 12th graders. Taking an above-grade-level test is an experience that allows these gifted seventh graders to more accurately gauge their academic abilities and potential, as they need more advanced examinations than they find in their grade level.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit 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 to help gifted scholars reach their full academic potential. For more on Duke TIP talent searches, including qualification requirements for its 4th–6th Grade Talent Search and 7th Grade Talent Search, visit www.tip.duke.edu.

The J. Frank White Academy is a private coeducational college preparatory school located on the campus of LMU and serves students grades four-12 from Claiborne, Union, Campbell and Hancock counties in Tennessee; Bell County, Kentucky; and Lee County, Virginia. For more information, contact the academy at 423.869.6234 or visit www.LMUnet.edu/academy.