I applaud you for writing about this. I, too, have experience with the gifted and talented and have wanted to write about it. There are many sides to the issue and while priveledge and egoism can be part of it, there are those who are exceptional, participate in course advancement, and become valedictorians purely based on their own intelligence and merit . Some, although maybe few, go on to state schools - still do outstanding things to better society but remain humble and kind. I give you credit for dealing with irrate parents but not all of us are like that. There has to be some good stories. In fact, I know there are.