Program for gifted students gets an A

Topics ranged from arts and society to scientific research.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- When she first read the description of Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted, Christina Martin wasn't sure she wanted to attend.
"The description was so vague," said the Lakeview High School senior. "I wasn't sure it really would be worthwhile.
Martin, Sam Stoyak of Liberty, Kayla Yurco of Howland and Jared Hale of Jackson-Milton were among 67 high school seniors statewide who attended the weeklong workshop in August at Ohio State University.
Stoyak's initial reaction mirrored Martin's.
"I wasn't sure it was really something I wanted to do," he said.
They liked it
But they each warmed to the idea, saying they'd recommend the experience to other students.
"They put together a great program," Stoyak said.
"I liked it a lot and I learned a lot too," Martin said.
Yurco also gave it high marks.
Workshops dealt with team-building, the arts and society, human interest, scientific research and the legal system.
"One of the things that I appreciated was that everyone there seemed to be at the top of their field," Stoyak said.
Chris Rausch, program coordinator, said interested students must complete an application, which must be submitted by their school district superintendent. Each student must get two teacher recommendations.
The application and recommendations are reviewed by a selection committee of educators. More than 200 students from throughout the state applied to participate this year, Rausch said.
What's considered
Committee members consider students' leadership, scholarship and social responsibility.
"The overall goal is to provide students with an educational experience that they don't get in a regular classroom in high school," Rausch said.
The program was established in 1976 and named for Essex, who served as state superintendent of public instruction from 1966 to 1976.
Upon graduation, Yurco plans to study biology in college with an eye on a career in veterinary medicine. She pointed to the workshop on scientific research as the most interesting.
Martin also liked the science focus. She wants to study pre-med in college next year.
Stoyak isn't sure whether he'll go to college or go on tour with his rock band, One-Fourth Awesome.
"Essex made me think more about college," Stoyak said.
He listed the session with FBI agents from the Columbus office as piquing his interest. The agents described their jobs and answered students' questions.
Student projects
The week ended with presentation of student projects developed throughout the week. They had three options to choose from: a newspaper, a student survey and a talent show.
Yurco worked on the newspaper, assembling articles and drawings from fellow students into a bound edition. Martin and Stoyak both performed in the talent show. Stoyak entertained with a classic guitar piece and Martin showcased her martial arts skills.
Martin also worked on the student survey.
Each has kept in touch with at least one student they met at the program.
"There were so many people there who had lived in other countries before coming to Ohio," said Yurco, whose roommate was from Shanghai.
denise_dick@vindy.com