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The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) will host a Open House at the John Gray Center on Saturday, Feb. 18. The Academy is an early entrance college residential honors program at ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ.

"Our Open House is a fantastic opportunity for parents and interested students to learn more about our program and hear firsthand from students the benefits of an early college education," said Ted Stuberfield, director of the Academy. "We are extremely delighted to provide a venue in which gifted students can explore the possibilities of their educational careers and plan for future collegiate, career, and human development."

During the Open House there will be presentations on the academic and social life at TALH, residence hall living and security, financial aid, and the benefits of a TALH education as well as presentations from administrators, students, and parents. The day begins with check in at the Herman Illes Building of the John Gray Center at 9 a.m. The event will conclude at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is suggested and may be done online at lamar.edu/texasacademy.

"The academy is one of two such programs created by the Texas State Legislature," said Scott Stevenson, assistant director of the academy. Established in 1994, the program gives high school-aged juniors and seniors the opportunity to accumulate 60 or more hours of college credit by graduation.

All students accepted into the unique program receive full-tuition scholarships for up to 15 credit hours per semester and get to live on campus, as any other college student.

To be admitted into the Academy, applicants apply as high school sophomores and must meet specific requirements, including acceptable ACT or SAT scores, two letters of recommendation, and an autobiographical essay. TALH is a highly selective program for students eager for an enriched intellectual experience, enhanced by programs in the humanities and leadership development.

Stevenson believes the social and cultural nourishment the students receive may be part of the reason they display such success after graduation. In its capacity as a special-purpose school district, the Academy has been authorized to confer its own diploma.

TALH students have the opportunity to pursue the ideals of academic excellence, ethical leadership and community service within the context of a rigorous university setting, far beyond that of a high school education. Students are given the opportunity to pursue research that only a university experience can provide.

TALH uses the humanities to help create better citizens who are aware of the world around them, and they can think critically about their situations and work actively to better their environment.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities is a residential honors program for gifted and talented Texas high school-aged students who seek to develop their full potential as citizens and who show special interest and aptitude for study in the Humanities. TALH objectives twofold: To provide an enriched college academic environment for gifted and talented high school-aged students, and to provide opportunities for leadership development through volunteerism, organizational participation, tutoring, and other forms of campus and community service.

For more information about the program, visit lamar.edu/texasacademy or call (409) 839-2995.