The hard work and high achievement of one student has earned him a special recognition that is given to just one child per state.

Gifted student Justin Heard, a third grader at Sara Harp Elementary, is the recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award for Georgia. The award is designed to recognize distinguished achievement in academics, leadership, or the arts in gifted children in grades 3-6. It inspires children to achieve to their fullest potential, highlights high-ability students and draws attention to the educational needs of the nation's gifted and talented students.

The Nicholas Green Foundation, in conjunction with the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), gives the award annually. Maggie and Reg Green established the foundation to honor the memory of their 7 year-old son Nicholas who was killed in a drive-by shooting while visiting Italy in 1994. The Greens paired with NAGC to start the Distinguished Student Award because they wanted to recognize young people who are working hard to make the most of their lives and develop their unique gifts and talents and who are now about the age that Nicholas was when he died.

One child per state can be named a Nicholas Green Distinguished Student and that winner receives a $500 U.S. savings bond and a NAGC Certificate of Excellence. Parents, teachers, students or community/civic groups may nominate eligible students.

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