Contests

STUDENTS ADVOCATE FOR GIFTED EDUCATION IN ESSAY CONTEST

Across the state, students express what gifted education

 means to them—

and how their lives might be very different without it.

April 2026

       Maryland public school students from across the state responded to express “What gifted education opportunities mean to me” in the annual Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education (MCGATE) essay contest.  MCGATE received 238 applications from 12 school systems. A rubric-based blind review was conducted in three rounds by gifted education experts. Prizes were awarded to 6 elementary and middle school students from schools in Prince George’s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico counties..

The students describe how the gifted education opportunities meet their needs for acceleration and challenge, and sparked interests that are evolving into future goals aimed at improving our world.  They explained how they would use their talents to give back to their community.  They also gave credit to their gifted education teachers, whom they said knew how to teach to their different learning needs.

The contest winners and all contest participants will be honored virtually on April 30 from 6:30 – 7:45 PM at Celebrate Student Voices. The public is invited to attend the celebration to hear from our contest winners. The event features special guest Dr. Anthony Vargas, Maryland Director of Advanced and Gifted/Talented programs, and a mini-workshop for students, Your Potential Deserves a Voice: Speak Up for Your Learning Needs –Respectfully. All are welcome, but registration is required. To register, go to www.mdgifted.org

Prizes were awarded to these essay contest winners:

Elementary School Division

First Prize ($50): Liam Johnson, Chapel District ES, Talbot County

Second Prize ($30): Zariah Cox, Glenarden Woods ES, Prince George’s County

Honorable Mention ($25): Graham McNally, Williamsport ES, Washington County

Middle School Division

First Prize ($100): Hayoon Kim, Salisbury Middle, Wicomico County

Second Prize ($50): Savannah Brown, Walker Mill Middle, Prince George’s County

Honorable Mention ($30): Deborah Oladipo, Walker Mill Middle, Prince George’s County

Essay contest participants represented these 12 school systems: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico.