Old Lyme 7th Grader One of Johns Hopkins University's "Talented Youth"

A Press Release from The Williams School

Callum Tresnan of Old Lyme, a seventh grade student from The Williams School in New London, was recently honored as one of the brightest young students in the nation at a statewide awards ceremony for academically advanced children sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

The Center honored Tresnan, a participant in the CTY Talent Search, for his exceptional performance on a rigorous, above-grade-level test given to academically talented second-through-eighth-grade students.

During the CTY Talent Search, which is going on now, advanced young learners take above-grade level tests designed for older students as a means of gaining insight into their abilities. Seventh and eighth graders take the SAT or ACT—the same tests used for college admissions. These students, along with second through sixth graders, can take the School and College Ability Test (SCAT), an above-level test.

“Callum exemplifies all of the characteristics we value at Williams,” said Jane Hannon, Head of the Middle School. “He is bright, curious, creative, diligent, witty, and genuinely kind. He is simply a joy to work with and we are so proud of this academic accomplishment.”

Tresnan was one of more than 40,000 students from over 120 countries who participated in the CTY Talent Search. Because of the difficulty of the tests, only 25 to 30 percent of students who participated earned an invitation to a CTY Awards Ceremony where they are individually honored for their academic performance and potential. Most students honored in 2013 CTY Award Ceremonies also qualified academically for CTY's summer courses and online classes.

"Today we face critical global problems that require the best minds of the future to solve using discipline, creativity, and innovation," says Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY. "It's inspiring and reassuring to see this group of some of the best and brightest students emerging and to know that they will become tomorrow's thought leaders and innovators."

This spring, some 13,700 CTY Talent Search honorees were invited to participate in 49 CTY Award Ceremonies at 27 sites.

Connecticut's 2013 ceremonies were held at Yale University on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19; and remaining awards will be be given at Central Connecticut State University on Saturday, June 8.

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

A global leader in gifted education since 1979, CTY (cty.jhu.edu) is focused on recognizing academic talent in exceptional K-12 students and supporting their growth with courses, services, and resources specifically designed to meet their needs. Education Week called CTY "one of a set of remarkable nonpublic institutions dedicated to the discovery and nurture of the most talented young people for the highest levels of accomplishment."