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Gifted
Discover the comprehensive Gifted Services at South Central Ohio ESC, designed to nurture the talents and potential of students across our partner districts.
Nurturing Creative Minds
Helping students learn and grow is a goal of every school district. We work hard to provide students with high quality programs in both academics and fine arts in order to help them become successful both in the classroom and in life. Even though our department is labeled “Gifted Services," we are proud of our outreach to all students throughout the Scioto County area; even those who are not necessarily identified as gifted.
We are proud of all the students who have embraced our programs and pursued them as an opportunity for personal growth on their own paths to success!
Sharee Price
Gifted Services Coordinator
(740) 354-0229
SCOESC Gifted Connection Newsletters
Find our recent newsletters here:
2024-2025 SCOESC Gifted Services Newsletter
Sponsors
Stay connected with us to keep up with essential updates and events!
We are dedicated to enhancing education for all.
Our comprehensive services support school districts, educators, and students, while our extensive resources empower educators with the tools they need.
Our Programs
High School Academic Competition
Each year, SCOESC hosts academic competitions designed to encourage higher-order thinking and promote excellence among high school students.
Teams can consist of up to 12 students, with approximately 150-170 participants competing from September through December.
ESC Artist-in-Residence Program
The ESC Artist-in-Residence Program brings an accomplished, practicing artist into high school visual arts classrooms to enrich students’ creative experiences. During their time in the classroom, the artist shares their expertise, techniques, and artistic process, while mentoring students and guiding them in developing their own artwork. This hands-on collaboration provides a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from a working professional and to deepen their engagement with the visual arts.
In the fall of 2025, artist Darren Baker will be sharing his knowledge about making handmade paper, creating hand-bound books, and marbleizing paper with advanced art students at Valley High School. The students’ finished works will be on display at the Scioto County Public Library, in Portsmouth in October/November.
Middle School & Jr. High Quiz Bowl
We provide an exciting opportunity for students in grades 5 through 8 to showcase their knowledge and skills through a county-wide Quiz Bowl Tournament held annually.
This engaging competition is designed to challenge students and promote academic excellence in a fun and interactive environment. The number of participants is limited to 10 per team.
Competition Information
Jr. High Tournament Schedule
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Middle School Tournament – Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the ESC
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Jr. High Tournament – Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the ESC
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Middle School Make-Up Date - Monday, October 27, 2025
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Jr. High Make-Up Date - Monday, November 3, 2025
Youth MAX Leadership Conference
The Youth MAX Leadership Conference is an exciting event held every December at the South Central Ohio ESC. This one-day conference brings together high school students and local business and community leaders to learn valuable leadership skills.
Key Details:
Who Attends: Each of the 15 local school districts is invited to send one junior and one senior, selected by their Guidance Counselors.
Focus: The conference centers around leadership principles taught by John C. Maxwell, a renowned author and speaker known for his expertise in leadership. His books have sold over 24 million copies, making him a leading authority in the field.
Trainers: The event is facilitated by certified Maxwell trainers from the ESC’s Curriculum Department, working alongside the Gifted Services Department.
For more information about the Youth MAX Leadership Conference, please contact Sharee Price, Gifted Services Coordinator, at 740-354-0229.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts programs at the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center foster creativity, imagination, and artistic growth in students across our region. We proudly support and showcase young talent through a variety of engaging initiatives designed to celebrate and elevate student artists.
Youth Art Month
In March, we celebrate Youth Art Month with the exhibition titled "Youthful Visions," held at the Portsmouth Public Library. This vibrant display features artwork from Scioto County high school students, showcasing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces created in various media. During the exhibition, students also design bookmarks that are available for library visitors, highlighting their creativity.
The Memory Project
The Memory Project is a heartwarming initiative where advanced high school art students create portraits for children living in orphanages around the world. This national program allows our students to use their artistic talents to bring joy to these children by providing them with a lovely portrait, something they would likely never have otherwise. The portraits are delivered to the children, and the reactions are captured in photos or videos, allowing our students to see the happiness their art brings.
Visually Literate High School Art Show
As part of our mission to promote visual literacy and celebrate artistic excellence, the South Central Ohio ESC proudly hosts the Visually Literate High School Art Show in the Appleton Gallery at Shawnee State University.
High schools throughout Scioto County and Oak Hill High School, are invited to submit up to 15 exceptional works of art for professional judging. From these submissions, the top 50 pieces will be selected for inclusion in this notable exhibition, offering young artists a platform to gain recognition and present their creative voices to the wider community.
A Closing Reception and Awards Ceremony will take place on May 12, 2026 at SSU.
Mock Trial
Partnering with the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education, the Scioto County Bar Association, and local sponsors, we offer high school students an opportunity to participate in simulated court experiences at the Scioto County Courthouse. Through their involvement with this program students hone their critical thinking and public speaking skills and gain a better understanding of the law, court procedures, and the judicial system.
District Mock Trial - January 30, 2026
Regional Mock Trial - February 20, 2026
State Mock Trial - March 12-14, 2026
Get Involved
For information about Ohio Mock Trial and becoming involved with the Ohio Mock Trial Program, please contact Jenna Lewis at (614) 485-3515
Scioto County Honors Music Festival
The Honors Music Festival is a cherished tradition that has celebrated student musicians for over 80 years.
It offers Jr. High and High School students the chance to audition or be nominated to join the Honors Band or Choir. Participants learn from their peers, experienced music directors, and distinguished guest conductors.
Music Scholarships
Senior participants who have participated in the Honors Music Festival for at least two years are eligible to audition for one of two $1,000 Music Scholarships. Winners will be announced during the final performance of the Music Festival on March 3, 2026.
Scioto County Spelling Bee
Each year, students in grades 4 through 8 have the opportunity to showcase their spelling skills in the countywide Scioto County Spelling Bee, hosted by the SCOESC. Two students from each school district are invited to participate in this exciting academic competition, which brings together young scholars from across the region.
The Spelling Bee not only challenges students to reach new heights in their spelling abilities, but it also helps them improve their vocabulary, boosts their self-confidence, and strengthens their overall literacy skills. This event offers an opportunity for students to learn from their peers and to be supportive of each other in a friendly academic competition.
The 2026 Scioto County Spelling Bee will be held at the ESC on March 24
Summer Enrichment Scholarships
The Gifted Services Department of the SCOESC offers Summer Enrichment Scholarships for students currently enrolled in grades 5 through 11 who have been identified as gifted through an approved Ohio Department of Education assessment.
While we do not provide our own enrichment programs, we assist students with the costs of attending academic or fine arts programs of their choosing.
Resources
Application Process
Students interested in applying for an ESC Scholarship must also apply for an OAGC Scholarship. Here are the important deadlines:
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OAGC Scholarship Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Download OAGC Scholarship Application (PDF)
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ESC Scholarship Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Download ESC Scholarship Application (PDF)
Informational Meeting
An informational meeting for parents, teachers, and guidance counselors will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center. School districts will provide important information to qualifying students. Please pre-register by November 14, 2025 with Sharee Price at (740) 354-0229 or via email.
Scholarships Contacts
If you have questions, please reach out to your district’s gifted contact:
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Bloom-Vernon: Angie Baker
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Clay: Courtney Mays
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East: Lance Davis
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Green: Erika Riffe, Jessica McIlhenny
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Manchester: Nick Roberts, Caroline Grooms-Lowe
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Minford: Lacey Ratcliff, Brittyn Saunders
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New Boston: Paul Mayberry
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Northwest: Regina Speas, Heather Thompson, Tim Amburgey
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Oak Hill: Whitney Crabtree
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Portsmouth: Matt McCorkle
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Valley: Jane Thayer
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West: Eric Nichols, Erin Ballengee
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Wheelersburg: Dave Rucker, Tim Gilbert
Summer Programs
Students are NOT limited to only these programs but may consider:
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Purdue University - GERI Program
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Shawnee State University - Cub Camp
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Kenyon College - Young Writers' Workshop
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Ohio Northern University
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Interlochen Arts Camp
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Ohio State University MD Camp
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Ohio State University Music Camp
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Muskingum University - Be WISE Camp
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Otterbein University - Music Camp
Fostering Innovation and Excellence
In partnership with local school districts, SCOESC offers a diverse range of programs and resources designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students. From academic competitions and summer enrichment scholarships to artist-in-residence initiatives, our services are tailored to inspire and cultivate the potential of young minds.
By empowering gifted learners with targeted support and enriching experiences, we aim to help them excel inside and outside the classroom, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in their future endeavors.
Join us in celebrating and nurturing the extraordinary talents of our youth!
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