Bryce Mathis, left, and Kobe Kenney, right, both of Colquitt County, attended college last summer — even though both are eighth graders.

This summer, Kobe Kenney and Bryce Mathis spent three weeks studying at the University of Kansas and Davidson College, respectively.  Kobe, an eighth grade student at C.A. Gray, is the son of Moshe and Lisa Kenney.  Bryce, a homeschooled student, is the son of Marty and April Mathis. Both boys participated in the Duke University Talent Identification Search this past spring as 7th graders.  

Duke TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search identifies students across the United States who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test. As part of the program, these students take above-level college-entrance exams (ACT or SAT) to learn more about their abilities.

Among the top 5 percent of academically talented students in their grade level, Kobe and Bryce earned the required scores on their college-entrance exams to qualify for the Duke TIP Academy and Center for Summer Studies.  Kobe attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., and studied aerospace engineering. Bryce chose to study psychology while at Davidson College in Davidson, N.C.  

“Both boys enjoyed making new friends from around the country,” Bryce’s mother wrote in an email to The Observer. “The exceptional learning opportunity is one Kobe and Bryce plan to repeat next year!”