MacArthur High School’s Reagan Nasky is one of 5,181 Gifted and Talented (GT) students in Irving ISD. Nasky began her educational journey in the district – first attending Stipes Elementary and Travis Middle Schools. It was at Stipes as a kindergarten student that Nasky was tested for the GT program. Based on her score, she was placed in GT courses the following year as a first grader. Fast forward to today, Nasky is a senior with a bright future ahead and she credits the Irving ISD GT program for helping her get to this point. One thing she has appreciated most about being in the program is the speed and teaching style of her classes.
“Some of the teachers who have greatly impacted my learning experience are Ms. Shannon Pratt, my 5th grade math and science teacher, and Ms. Meghan Hunt, my 1st grade teacher,” says Nasky. “I’m also currently taking AP Calculus BC with Mr. Jeff Tillerson. Even though math has never been my favorite subject – I was motivated to push myself and I passed my AP Calculus exam. I was so proud of myself for accomplishing that.”
Nasky was recently accepted into Elon University’s prestigious Honors Program and awarded a $94,000 scholarship. She is one of only 60 students from across the country who were selected for the Honors Program. In addition, she will also receive $1,000 each year which will go towards research and study abroad opportunities – something Nasky is greatly looking forward to.
Dance has been a passion of hers since the age of 11, which is one of the reasons she has decided to double major in dance performance/choreography and dance science with a minor in political science.
“I plan to go to Turkey and Florence, Italy through Elon’s dance program. While in Italy, I’ll also have the opportunity to be a part of the Florence Ballet Company,” Nasky adds.
Nasky is currently undecided about her plans post-college, but she’s considering a career in the medical field or law. Whichever she chooses, she only has one goal in mind.
“My main goal is to just be happy.”
To learn more about Irving ISD’s Gifted and Talented Program and the identification and placement process, visit IrvingISD.net/GT.
