Melody Paga-Vela, Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School, 2016 Javits-Frasier Scholar
October 27, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC  – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) named Melody Paga-Vela a 2016 Javits-Frasier Scholar. Paga-Vela is an Early Childhood specialist at Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

The Javits-Frasier Scholars Program recognizes passionate, innovative educators who work in districts that serve students from low-income and minority populations that are historically underrepresented in gifted education.

“High-achieving children in poverty and from minority groups are two and half times less likely to be identified for, and served in gifted programs at school,” said M. René Islas, NAGC Executive Director. “Educators like Melody are leaders and a voice for these gifted and talented children who have unique learning needs.”

“I was just thrilled when I read the news because it is truly an honor to be selected,” said Paga-Vela.  “The potential this experience has to help me grow as an educator and make a positive impact on the community is priceless.”

The Javits-Frasier Scholars will network with, and learn from, other teachers and leaders in gifted education at the NAGC 63rd Annual Convention at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Florida next week, November 3-6, 2016.

“NAGC is committed to providing opportunities and resources to better understand and serve gifted children,” said Islas. “The Javits-Frasier program is an investment in professional learning for educators across our nation.”

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The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a membership organization whose mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research. 

CONTACT:  Cathleen Healy, chealy@nagc.org/202-365-4636

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