Rachel Lopez, South Carolina Junior Scholar

The South Carolina Junior Scholars Program reflects the growing statewide effort to improve education in South Carolina and responds to the needs of students possessing unique abilities. The purpose of the program is to identify students and provide opportunities that will facilitate their intellectual growth, broaden their individual interests, and promote their scholastic achievement

The South Carolina Junior Scholars Program was developed by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) during the 1985-86 school year to identify eighth grade students with exceptional academic talent and to develop strategies for inclusion into special programs. The program includes a process for screening a potential talent pool of students, identifying and recognizing those students with exceptionally high scholastic achievement and intellectual ability, and sponsoring summer opportunities in collaboration with participating South Carolina colleges and universities.

In eighth grade, qualifying students (those scoring 95% or higher on seventh grade standardized tests in one or more subject areas) are invited to take the PSAT. Students who scored 550 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing or 530 or higher on the Math portion of the PSAT/NMSQT are recognized as South Carolina Junior Scholars.

This year New Covenant is blessed to have Rachel Lopez receive this honor! Congratulations to Rachel and her family!