Seventeen Cherokee County School District students have been recognized by Duke University for their outstanding SAT and ACT scores … that they earned last school year as seventh-graders!

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) supports academically talented seventh-graders who have previously scored at or above the 95th percentile on a standardized test such as CogAT by providing them with the opportunity to take the SAT and ACT, which are college-entrance exams designed for above-average 11th- and 12th-grade students. 

This year, 108 CCSD students participated in the program, with 17 students earning State honors, and one of those students -- Luke Barber of Dean Rusk Middle School -- additionally earned Grand-level recognition. 

“The SAT and ACT are challenging exams for our high school students, so it’s especially impressive that these middle school students have earned statewide recognition for their scores,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “We’re very proud of their academic success and look forward to all they will accomplish this year as eighth-graders and when they begin their high school careers.  Congratulations!”

The State and Grand winners, who are honored at a Duke University Recognition Ceremony, also will be congratulated by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools through a virtual recognition at today’s School Board meeting, which will be live streamed. 

The CCSD State-level honorees are:

Creekland Middle School 
Lillian Abdinoor
Mackinsey Candelario

Dean Rusk Middle School
Luke Barber 
Elizabeth Hatch
Addison Herring
Jack McFadin
Walker Stone
Max Swain

E.T. Booth Middle School
Haylee Castens

Freedom Middle School
Jessica Hunter
Chase Landmesser 

Mill Creek Middle School 
Leah Orr 

Teasley Middle School
Martin Armbruster
Kate Hamilton
Avery Kesler
Kaitlyn Lawrence

Woodstock Middle School
Noah Richards

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