CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY. – Taylor County Gifted and Talented students have had some excellent opportunities for academic enrichment during the fall semester according to Debbie Gumm, gifted and talented coordinator. “We recently took 24 students from the middle and high schools to Chicago where they attended a National Beta Leadership summit led by Donnie Thurman,” said Gumm, who supervised the trip along with Jennifer Richard, TCMS Junior Beta sponsor.

During the trip, students visited Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, the Art Institute and Willis (Sears) Tower. “There was also time for some shopping on Michigan Avenue,” said Gumm.

On the final day of the trip, TCHS was presented a team award from National Beta.
The Youth Leadership participants at TCHS have also been busy, according to Gumm. So far, they have visited the Team Leadership Center in Monticello, and visited local farms during Agricultural Day in October. “Taylor County History Day is coming up on November 15,” said Gumm.

TCES and TCMS students were recently invited to take part in an overnight adventure at the Newport Aquarium. While there, students enjoyed a behind the scenes tour, a scavenger hunt, several animal encounters, and a visit with the penguins. “The best part was that the students got to roll out their sleeping bags and sleep with the sharks and the jellyfish!” said Gumm.

Sixth graders also visited Shaker Village this semester, where they took a ride on the Dixie Belle and enjoyed lunch in the Trustees Dining Room.

“I’m so proud our youth have had opportunities to participate in activities that enrich their educational experiences; these are memories that will be everlasting,” said Gumm.

For more information on Gifted and Talented services, Gumm can be contacted at Deborah.Gumm@taylor.kyschools.us.