Kathir Meyyappan, a student from Tyngsboro was honored today as one of the brightest middle school students in the world at an international awards ceremony sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

The Center honored Kathir, a student at Blanchard Middle School, for his exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, or similar college-readiness assessment taken as part of the 2015-16 CTY Talent Search. CTY uses above-grade-level testing to identify advanced students from around the world and provide a clear picture of the students’ true academic abilities.

This year, more than 27,000 students in second through eighth grades participated in CTY’s Talent Search, representing all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Seventh and eighth graders from this group who scored high enough on their above-grade-level test were invited to attend CTY’s Grand Ceremony Oct. 16 on the Johns Hopkins University’s main campus. Nearly 1,000 students and their families were invited to the ceremony this year.

“Students, your excellent test scores are what brought us here today, but this is a celebration of what is behind those scores: a love of learning, a strong work ethic, and a high value placed on taking risks and welcoming challenges,” said Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY. “These are qualities that will provide you with many opportunities in the years ahead as you continue to grow as students and scholars.”

At least 75 of the students honored at the ceremony achieved a perfect score on the reading or math section of their test. In addition, more than 400 Talent Search participants under age 13 achieved a score of 700 or higher on the math or verbal section of the SAT, and in turn, qualified for CTY’s Julian C. Stanley Study of Exceptional Talent. Students honored at the 2016 Grand Ceremony also qualified for CTY’s summer, online, and family programs, through which academically advanced students meet and form a community of engaged learners with other bright students from around the world.

Each year, there are more than 9,800 enrollments by bright pre-college students in CTY Summer Programs, held at 25 sites in the United States and Hong Kong on campuses ranging from Johns Hopkins and Princeton to Stanford and Berkeley. In addition, there are more than 14,500 enrollments in CTY Online Programs courses and more than 4,800 enrollments in Family Academic Programs each year.

About The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY)

A global leader in gifted education since 1979, CTY (www.cty.jhu.edu) is focused on recognizing academic talent in exceptional K-12 students and supporting their growth with courses, services, and resources designed to meet their specific needs. CTY draws students from 50 states and more than 60 countries worldwide. In fiscal year 2016, CTY provided $5.8 million in financial aid to more than 5,200 students.

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