By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

With standardized testing taking place in schools across the nation, some Lowndes County students are taking the extra initiative to ensure the continuation of their education.

Jazmin D. Garrett, Demarcus Jackson and Cordarius Martin of Lowndes Middle School in Ft. Deposit are being recognized by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) for their exceptional achievements on the American College Testing (ACT) assessment.

The students were offered the opportunity to take the ACT through Duke TIP, a global leader in identifying academically gifted students and provides them with innovative programming to support their development, according to Tina Garrett, mother of Jazmin Garrett.

“This gives teachers and parents insight on the students’ academic abilities,” said Garrett. “It gives the student a better understanding of what to expect as they prepare for college.”

Garrett, Jackson and Martin were tested at Calhoun High School, Feb. 6, on written English and rhetoric, mathematics, reading comprehension, writing and natural science skills.

Garrett received a composite score of 24, while Jackson and Martin a composite score of 21 on their assessments.

ACT is a non-profit, independent organization that offers a broad assortment of assessment, research, information and program management solutions in education and workforce development.

The program serves millions of people nationally and internationally in high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses and government agencies

In addition to all three students participation in the Duke TIP program, all are simultaneously involved in Lowndes Middle School’s Gifted and Talented Program.

Both curriculums recognize gifted children and extend an array of services to parents and educators while providing resources to cultivate the development of remarkably bright students through challenging educational programs.