Odell honored by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Josie Odell, 9-year-old daughter of Scott and Joni Odell, former residents of Sweetwater County, has been honored as one of the brightest students in the world by the The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). She is the granddaughter of Marlene and Tim Merchant of Green River.

Josie, as a home-schooled third grader now living in Anchorage, Alaska, was honored for exceptional performance on the SAT, ACT, or similar assessment as part of the CTY Talent Search. Josie earned High Honors in both the verbal and quantitative tests, being among the top tier of Talent Search testers.

Nearly 19,000 students from 84 countries joined CTY in the 2020-21 Talent Search year, but less than 20 percent of CTY Talent Search participants qualified for CTY High Honors Awards. Josie will now be participating in CTY's online and summer programs throughout her education, being a part of a community of engaged learners with other bright students from around the world.

"We are thrilled to celebrate these students," Virginia Roach, CTY's executive director said. "In a year that was anything but ordinary, their love of learning shined through, and we are excited to help cultivate their growth as scholars and citizens throughout high school, college, and beyond."

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth has been a global leader in gifted education since 1979. CTY is focused on recognizing academic talent in exceptional K-12 students and supporting their growth with courses, services, and resources specifically designed to meet their needs.