FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA–Helena Intermediate School gifted education teachers Shelli Abernathy and Amanda Miller invited State Sen. Cam Ward, Helena Mayor Mark Hall and Shelby County Schools Superintendent Randy Fuller to visit their classrooms on Monday, Jan. 26, in honor of Gifted Education Month.

Gov. Robert Bentley signed a proclamation in December 2014 establishing January 2015 as the third annual Gifted Education Month in the state of Alabama.

The theme for 2015 is “Igniting Gifted Potential.” Abernathy and Miller gave tours of their classrooms and allowed their gifted students to share with the visiting dignitaries what they are currently learning. The teachers and students presented the guests with a torch made from paper to represent the flames.

On the torch was a quote by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, a national supporter of gifted education.

“Gifted students represent a vital resource that has unlimited potential,” Grassley said. “We need to make sure that these exceptional young people have the support and services they need to be successful.”

Ward said he was impressed with what he saw in the classrooms, especially the students’ eagerness to wrap up the visit so they could get back to their schoolwork.

“I don’t think I was ever that eager to get back to work when I was a student,” Ward said. “That must mean they are really enjoying what they are learning.”