Makenzy Schinsky recognized as part of Duke TIP
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 15, 2016 1:46 PM
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Makenzy Schinsky
A Norwayne Middle School seventh-grader has been recognized as part of the state's Duke Talent Identification Program, or Duke TIP.
Makenzy Schinsky was among 65,000 middle school students from across 16 states who took the ACT and SAT test as part of the TIP program. Students were eligible to participate in the program after scoring in the 95th percentile or higher on an approved standardized achievement, aptitude or mental ability test while in elementary or middle school. When her ACT scores were tallied, Makenzy ranked in the top 25 percent of the talent search pool. She was recently recognized at a state ceremony at East Carolina University.
"After I was told about Duke TIP, at first I was unsure if they had the right person," she said. "I love school and I was very excited to get this recognition."
As a result of the state honor, she also received an invitation to attend a three-week summer studies program at Appalachian State University. She submitted several essays and other required materials, earning a scholarship to attend the program, officials said.
She was also recognized at the recent Board of Education meeting, with board member Dwight Cannon presenting her with a certificate.
"The largest program of its kind, the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search helps families determine how advanced their (child's) academic abilities truly are," he said. "Since its inception in 1980, over two million students have participated in the Duke TIP talent search."
Kim Schinsky, Makenzy's mother, was admittedly impressed and happy with her daughter's accomplishments.
"I am absolutely floored by all that Makenzy has accomplished," she said. "I am so excited that this summer she will have an opportunity to live in a dorm, attend classes on a university campus and do everything that a college student does. I am so proud of her."