Green High Ben Pollock, a junior, was recently selected for the "Martin W. Essex School For The Gifted."

This is nothing new for Ben and his family. His older brother Nathan was selected for this prestigious honor two years ago in 2006.

"The state said is was very rare to have that many candidates selected in a row from one school," said Dr. Sharon Dahlman, gifted coordinator. "Ben is a fine young person, such a well rounded student in academics, sports, and service. He will represent GHS very well."

The Martin Essex award is a program that picks Ohio's top students to give them a unique opportunity to broaden their visions for the future. It is named for Martin Essex, state superintendent of Ohio from 1966 till 1976. The one week program emphasizes leadership and responsibility for many exciting career options for students with exceptional abilities. The program is held in late June at Ohio State where the students attend workshops, seminars, and independent study programs in such areas as government,arts, science, human resources, the environment,technology and career planning.

In addition the students also participate in recreational activities, publish a newspaper based on the various activities and take part in a talent show. The entire program is designed to provide enrichment activities that go beyond the average high school experience.

Pollock was selected based on several criteria. Dahlman sent out invitations to students who had 4.0 grade point average, a certain ACT or SAT score and who exhibited a balance of service, leadership, and academic performance. The students also had to write a 100 and 500 word essay and be recommended by two teachers. In his case he was recommended by one of his track coaches, Eric Christopher, and his language arts teacher, Elaine Miller

Pollock chose to write the shorter essay on an obstacle that he had to overcome. In this case it related to Graves Disease which he was diagnosed with after cross country in the fall. He had to undergo surgery for the removal of his thyroid glands.
His longer essay dealt with what he is most passionate about. Pollock wrote about how he wanted to go into bio chemistry and find cures for many of the diseases that currently plague the world.

Based on his essays and overall rating Pollock was selected  by a committee of administrators and high school teachers. His name was then turned into the state committee and from all the entries he was one of 70 students selected for this honor. Pollock was the fifth student in a row to be selected from Green

"We are so proud of him," said his mother, "we are looking forward to the opening banquet and ceremony, and the closing talent show at the end of the week. It was a great experience for Nathan and I know it will also be a great one for Ben."

"I am excited about being picked," Pollock  said. "It will be an exciting experience am I looking forward to it. All the activities should really be interesting."

Being selected is a singular honor as there are hundreds of students from all over Ohio who are up for selection. pollock was only one of two students selected from Summit County, the other being Terence Wise from Mogadore.