The Belmont County Gifted Advisory Council (GAC) and the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center Gifted Department hosted the 28^th Annual Sixth Grade Academic Field Day on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the J.B. Martin Recreation Center in St. Clairsville.  This daylong program of mental exercises is designed to challenge and enrich the students’ intellect and allow them to interact with gifted students from other school districts.  The students rotated between stations such as Taboo, “24”, Brain Strain, Mini Quiz Bowl, SET!, Paper Plate Accuracy, Silent Sculpting, and Cup Stack.  

Approximately 100 sixth grade gifted/talented students from the public school districts in Belmont County took part.  Teams consist of 6-7 members from different districts.  This helps students develop their leadership and teamwork skills by working together with others they may not know. Each team was named for a county in Ohio. This year’s winning team was the “Ross County Team,” which included Bre’lan Schnegg (Barnesville), Mason Davidson (Bridgeport), Brett Kuprowicz (Bridgeport), Morgan Horan (St. Clairsville), and Micah Denham (Union Local).

All students participating received a certificate with the top 3 places earning stickers.

The Gifted Advisory Council includes educators from the public school districts in Belmont County who contract with the Educational Service Center for gifted services.  The group strives to provide quality educational experiences for students, teachers, and parents.  

Members of the GAC are as follows: Bryce Allen (Barnesville), Jennifer Kaczor (Bellaire), Amy Vavrock (Bridgeport), Barbie McKeegan (Martins Ferry) Heather Buckingham, (Shadyside), Mindy Husek (St. Clairsville), Kelsey Wise (Union Local), Lisa Burrell, and Rachel Winters (East Central Ohio ESC).