Nearly 800 of the region’s brightest students will gather at Northern Kentucky University this week to explore their talents and challenge themselves to achieve new heights.
NKU will again host DreamFest, an annual day of learning and enrichment for students in grades 4 through 8 from schools in nine Northern Kentucky counties. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 10.
“DreamFest is a one-of-a kind opportunity for identified gifted students in Northern Kentucky. It provides experiences with professionals across various fields and university faculty, as well as networking opportunities for young people at a time where they are beginning to consider their future education and career paths,” said Kathleen Lemmons, president of the Northern Kentucky Association of Gifted Educators (NKAGE) and a teacher in Fort Thomas Independent Schools.
This year’s theme is “Wild Science—Trash Magic: Recycling and the Science of Trash.” Students will hear from entertainer Matthew Brian Taylor about how to use trash to not only make magic, but also to help make our planet a cleaner place to live.
Students will also participate in breakout sessions aligned to their area of giftedness, from language arts and mathematics, to performing arts and leadership. More than 40 breakout sessions will be offered in 10 areas of giftedness. Local professionals and teachers volunteer their time to lead the breakout sessions.
The event is organized by the Northern Kentucky Association of Gifted Educators (NKAGE) in conjunction with the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES) and NKU’s College of Education and Human Services.
DreamFest began in the mid-1980’s with a focus upon the performing arts; the event has taken many forms through the years, but has always called NKU its home.

“We are proud to host these future leaders, dreamers, creators, and innovators,” said Dr. Cynthia Reed, dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “We know that DreamFest has a powerful impact upon these leaders of tomorrow, and we thank the countless volunteers who help make this experience special for them each year.”
From NKU