A Houston High School student is one of 330 selected across Missouri to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy, a three-week program June 7-27 on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus.
Celina Castleman will attend the academy, which in its 31st year helps gifted students achieve their full potential and motivates them to use their abilities to attend high standards of achievement, to encourage local schools to improve and expand gifted education programs and to assist in providing the state with experienced faculty and specialized curriculum for such students.
For more than 25 years, the academy was sponsored, in full or part, by the state. The 2015 edition is financed in part by funds provided by the University of Missouri, by academy alumni and friends, Missouri corporations and by a state activity fee. All aspects of the academy are the responsibility of MU.
Every public and private high school in the state is allowed to nominate at least one student for the academy. Academically, students represent the top one-half of 1 percent of the state’s sophomore class. No grades or credits are awarded through the program.
Students attending are exposed to a wide range of activities as well as to intensive instruction in their chosen area of specialization. The faculty is composed of outstanding teachers from high schools throughout the state. Guest speakers, performers, discussions and career education are combined with extracurricular and social activities to round the curriculum.
By the end of 2015 academy, more than 9,700 Missouri high school students and teachers will have participated since its inception.
Castleman is the daughter of Doug and Celinda Castleman.