Gifted and talented high school students in the Pulaski County School District were given the opportunity to sharpen their skills and explore new interests in the performing arts at EGAT (Exploring Gifts And Talents) Day.
Around 225 students from Pulaski County and Southwestern High schools attended the educational program on March 6 at The Center for Rural Development.
The county district schedules two school day workshops in the fall and spring for elementary, middle and high school gifted students to nurture their gifts in music, leadership, creativity, art, creative writing, dance and/or drama.
Professional and local performing artists are invited to share their talents with students identified as gifted and talented in one or more of the performing arts.
The spring EGAT workshop included 10 “pods” or break-out sessions. Workshop sessions were held on ballroom dancing, Clark Massey, instructor; drama, Dan Welch, director of Walden Theatre; creative writing/poetry, taught by author, poet, educator and performer Allan Wolf; exploration in watercolors, master artist Charles Langford; WRAP (Writing, Reading, Art and Poetry) by Annie Ruth; a second drama class on Greek Theatre Oedipus: the history of jazz; leadership, Greg Thompson, instructor; and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) inspired by activities and competitions from the University of Kentucky College of Engineering Day events, with facilitator Dale Dodson.
Lynn Ashbrook, gifted education specialist for Pulaski County schools, said the workshop experience gives students a chance to broaden their knowledge and abilities in the visual and performing arts as well as explore new talents.
“Some students may not know they have an interest in the arts until they have a broader exposure to that interest area,” said Ashbrook.
She said one of the workshop topics may “spark an interest” and prompt a student to explore a hidden talent.
EGAT Day provides opportunities for students to view performances by professional artists.
Poet and author Allan Wolf of Asheville, N.C., opened the program by encouraging students to “plunge into the world of words” and become immersed in verse.
Wolf is the author of a book about writing poems titled, Immersed in Verse: An Informative, Slightly Irreverent & Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet’s Life.
He has a passion for bringing poetry to the people and tours extensively in public schools and other venues.
Pam Butcher, gifted and talented specialist at Pulaski County and Southwestern High schools, said the program is an outlet for students to realize they can develop their talents into a professional career.
“We want them to know they can pursue their passions as possible career pathways in life,” said Butcher.
EGAT Day is made possible by support from the Pulaski County Board of Education, administration and staff.
