The Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) will recognize two South Effingham Middle School students, Michael Edwards and Emilia Truluck.  These students will be honored at the state recognition ceremony to be held at Georgia Southern University on May 22.  

Beginning its 27th year, the talent search program is the largest of its kind, representing 6,148 schools throughout the 16-state region.  

Founded in 1980 through a grant from the Duke Endowment, the Duke Talent Identification Program has become a major leader in identifying academically talented students and providing innovative programs to support the development of their optimal educational potential.

The Talent Search program identifies academically talented 7th graders based on previous test scores and invites them to complete the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) alongside high school students.  

In order to qualify for state recognition, students must obtain one or more of the following scores:  more than 520 on the SAT Math, or more than 510 on the SAT Critical Reading.

A student qualifying for State Recognition is in the top 25 percent of the Talent Search Pool.  This is a significant achievement because the pool itself is highly selective.

Thirty-four SEMS students qualified for the testing pool.

The SEMS Mustang family congratulates these students for their pursuit of academic achievement.