Helena Intermediate School gifted education teachers Shelli Abernathy and Amanda Miller invited Senator Cam Ward, Helena Mayor Mark Hall, and Superintendent Randy Fuller to visit their classrooms on January 26 in honor of Gifted Education Month.

Governor 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 learned.  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 Senator Chuck Grassley, a national supporter of gifted education.  “Gifted students represent a vital resource that has unlimited potential.  We need to make sure that these exceptional young people have the support and services they need to be successful,” Grassley said.

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

“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.”