CAMDEN - Watershed School 9th grader Thor Gabrielsen was one of thirty students from seven countries to be accepted to the 2019 World Science Scholars.

The World Science Scholars identifies and selects a small group of high school students worldwide who have demonstrated extraordinary mathematical talent and provides them with a unique opportunity to grapple with challenging ideas and explore new disciplines in which to apply their abilities. In the process, students expand their perspectives, and new pathways open along which their genius can flourish, facilitating their potential to spark revolutionary breakthroughs.

The program fosters and sustains a vibrant community of exceptionally talented math students, esteemed professors, dedicated teaching fellows, and dynamic local mentors. This accomplished group is connected in-person at the annual World Science Festival in New York City and digitally through a robust social learning platform featuring interactive online courses, as well as riveting lectures and live sessions by leading scientists.

Gabrielsen has been working with Watershed math teacher Dr. Mary Smyth for the past four years. "Being able to provide guidance to him has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my teaching career,” Dr. Smyth said. “A year ago I came across the application for the World Science Scholars and thought how it might fit with Thor's talents. The most important reason I recommended that he apply for it was not for the international recognition, but rather for the chance that it could open a new vista for Thor. He is an exceptional math student and loves to solve problems.  By joining the World Science Scholars, he will find mentors and projects in areas far beyond his current applications of math. There is a real potential for Thor to meet people who will be working on the solutions of the future, and this is where he can find his place to use his love of math for results that could be good for all of us. Now that is something every teacher hopes for!"

Watershed School is an independent high school located in Camden, serving students who are looking for a challenging academic program in the context of a supportive and enthusiastic school culture. A Watershed education is built on the principle that exceptional individual growth develops out of strong teacher-student relationships within the context of a close-knit community. Faculty concentrate on knowing each student in the school — in terms of learning style, interests, attitude toward learning, challenges, and aspirations — so they can help develop each student’s full potential. The democratic nature of the community develops skills leading to effective citizenship and fosters a healthy affection and sense of responsibility for the school, thereby increasing student openness toward learning, toward each other, and toward adults. The attitudes fostered at Watershed School prepare students for a lifetime of learning and for involvement in local communities and the larger world.