Elementary school student Porter Sabin of Laurinburg recently took part in the National Young Scholars Program.

Held at Wake Forest University, the program allowed outstanding 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students to explore, invent, learn and think creatively.

Sabin is a rising 4th grader at Washington Park Elementary School and was nominated to represent his school by a former teacher, Mrs. B.J. Hughes.

“The National Young Scholars Program provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on interactive learning, while challenging them in an intellectually stimulating environment outside of the regular classroom,” said Dr. Marguerite C. Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Program.

Students have a chance to unleash their full learning potential as they further their interest in specific areas of study such as architecture, forensic science and medicine.

"I learned about teamwork and communication and how useful they are," Porter said. "I played games for teamwork and communication. They are both very helpful in life. Using both teamwork and communications can help you get into good school; get good jobs, and makes you a better person.

"My favorite part while there was watching the magic show. During free-time I played checkers every day. I enjoyed eating wraps for lunch and dinner most of the time in the cafeteria that was really a restaurant. Also I heard a storyteller. It was awesome having a roommate and a dorm room with my own key."

The program culminates with student-created projects tying in leadership skills learned with the discoveries made in their specific area of study. Activities such as embarking on a fascinating journey into the human body and solving a “whodunit” through work in a model forensics lab are just two highlights of the innovative curriculum. Simulation activities and role-play encourage scholars to develop their leadership skills, while introducing them to the concepts of team-building, problem-solving, public speaking and goal-setting.

“NYSP taps into the natural curiosity that students at this young age already have,” said Dr. Regan. “This program will help them continue down a path toward a lifelong love of learning. "