Press release
Karl Stahlfeld, Seattle Christian High School student and Burien resident, was recently honored as one of the brightest young students in the nation at a statewide awards ceremony for gifted children sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

The Center honored Karl, a participant in the 2011 Talent Search, for his exceptional performance on a rigorous, above-grade-level test given to academically talented second through eighth grade students.

During the Talent Search, which is going on right now, advanced young learners take above-grade-level tests designed for older students as a means of gaining insight into their abilities. Seventh and eighth graders take the SAT or ACT – the same tests used for college admissions, while second through sixth graders take the SCAT, an above-level test scaled for younger students.

Karl, a current freshman at Seattle Christian, was one of more than 50,000 students worldwide who participated in this year’s CTY Talent Search. Because of the difficulty of the tests, only 25 to 30 percent of students who participated earned an invitation to a CTY’s Awards Ceremony where they are individually honored for their academic performance and potential.

“We are so proud of our CTY Talent Search honorees for their exceptional performance on these tests and we are thrilled to take this moment to recognize them for their academic achievements,” says Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY.

Students aren’t the only ones who deserve this recognition, she adds.

“Our students wouldn’t be who they are today without the parents and educators who have worked so hard to help them develop their talents.”