Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. Now in its 36th year, the seventh-grade talent search identifies bright seventh-graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh-graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities. In addition, they gain valuable benefits and have access to unique resources for gifted students.

The following Birdville ISD students qualified for state recognition by scoring at or above the national average of recent high school graduates on at least one part of the ACT or the SAT.

• Luis Gonzalez, Haltom Middle School
• Joshua Grantham, North Richland Middle School
• Erin Powell, North Richland Middle School
• Mercedes Wacks, North Richland Middle School
• Trayson Sosa, North Oaks Middle School
• Fiona Burleson, Smithfield Middle School
• Ethan Harrah, Smithfield Middle School
• Kyle Nimon, Smithfield Middle School
• William Thorne, Smithfield Middle School
• Trinity Vaughn, Smithfield Middle School
• Alexander Anderson, North Ridge Middle School
• Jackson Keefe, North Ridge Middle School
• Solyn Tidwell, North Ridge Middle School
• Meredith Turner, North Ridge Middle School

The following Birdville ISD students scored high enough to qualify for grand recognition. Students who qualify at the grand level scored approximately at or better than 90 percent of recent high school graduates on at least one part of the ACT or the SAT. These students are invited to a special recognition ceremony at Duke University. Only about three percent of all the participants in the talent search qualify for grand recognition. This is quite an achievement!

• Eva Kuderer, Smithfield Middle School
• Kyle Settelmaier, Smithfield Middle School