BY HANNAH KAIL
Staff Writer

When Debbie Reynolds, gifted coordinator, took some students to The Nutcracker ballet her first year at Baldwin, she was surprised when several turned in their seats during the first act to ask her when the dialogue would begin onstage.
“I was surprised that they did not know the difference between a ballet and a play, but at the same time happy that they were able to have this learning experience,” Reynolds said.
The gifted program at Baldwin High School strives to offer such educational experiences to students and let them explore their career options. Their goal this year is to open up these opportunities to more students, including those who have not been identified as being gifted.
“We are trying to make more kids aware of the amazing opportunities that this program offers them,” Reynolds said. She is encouraging students to follow her on Twitter @BHSGifted and join her email list to be informed about all gifted programs.
Baldwin’s guidance counselors will also be working with the gifted program by having counselors recommend certain students for programs that they are interested in. For example, if a student shows enthusiasm for the medical field, a counselor can let that student know about upcoming events such as surgery viewings or medical lectures.
Having more kids participate in gifted programs might raise concerns that it could limit opportunities for students who have been in the gifted program for many years.
However, both Reynolds and students in the program feel that the change will only strengthen the program.
“The gifted program offers so many unique programs that most kids don’t take advantage of. I think it’s awesome that more kids are being encouraged to participate,” senior Stephanie Bott said.
A longtime participant in the program, she has taken part in events such as Model EU, a government and economics program, and the Faraday Lectures, both of which have expanded her horizons and helped her explore career options.
When more students apply for a position than there are slots available, Reynolds has a plan.
“Certain spots that have many candidates will be up to competition. For example, I hold mini competitions in the gifted room to decide which students go on to compete for events such as the Euro Challenge,” Reynolds said.
Senior Mark Demore has used the activities offered by the gifted program to further his pursuit of an engineering degree. Along with the Euro Challenge, he has participated in an apprenticeship with the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. He encourages other students to take part in the programs.
“A lot of kids are not aware of the opportunities that they have. These programs enable people to think about things in a new way,” Demore said.
In addition to the activities that have long been staples of Baldwin’s gifted program, a new program called Lunch and Learn is being introduced. This is a series of meetings during lunch periods in which participants can watch and discuss videos or listen to guest speakers about different career options, such as engineering and veterinarian options.