ST. CHARLES, MO. After attending the National Association of Gifted Convention in St. Louis, Mary LaVictoire became inspired to introduce the notion of passion to her 7th- and 8th-grade gifted students. She will work with the book in conjunction with the film, “Searching for Bobby Fischer” to instill the concept that passion and hard work together are a formula for reaching great heights. Says Mary: “Adolescent gifted kids need to understand that not all things will come easily to them and that an enthusiasm for learning in general will take them farther than taking on a single subject that they don’t feel the need to work hard at.” This teacher battles elitism in her gifted population and a staunch belief that learning can be measured in test scores. With The Art of Learning, Mary will lead the students toward an understanding that many of those who don’t qualify for gifted programs will go on to achieve distinction in life by virtue of dedication to mastery and perseverance.