Congratulations to Gracelynn Woods of Pisgah High School and Joza Ballance of Tuscola High School who were recently selected to attend Governor’s School in June 2018.  Both students were selected to participate in the area of English.  Haywood County Schools submitted 7 students this year as nominees for Governor’s School, and we are very happy that two students have been selected to attend this honorable program.

Governor’s School started in 1963 and is the oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the nation. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, has had over 35,000 NC high school students attend.  Many go into successful careers both here in the state and throughout the country. The program was designed to be a bridge between high school and college experiences and is offered on two campuses: Governor’s School West at Salem College in Winston-Salem and Governor’s School East at Meredith College in Raleigh.  The English curriculum focuses on modern and post-modern fiction, poetry, and drama.  Students are encouraged to read closely, imaginatively, analytically, and empathetically.  Some teachers incorporate creative and analytical writing workshops to help students improve their writing.

Students completed an application process that began in September 2017, and they had to meet eligibility criteria in order to go on to the state selection process. To be eligible students must be NC residents, enrolled in 11th grade, have achievement test scores in the percentile ranges of 92% through 99%, have two recommendations, write two essays, list their school and community awards and activities, and supply their class rank and transcripts. Once Haywood County submitted their applications to the state, a selection committee with specialists in each academic discipline reviewed and scored each student application, ranking all nominees in that particular discipline.  Students will begin their experience on June 17th and end on July 25th with a mid-session break from July 5-8. For the 5 ½ weeks, students stay on the campus. Students are only allowed to leave the campus for the three-day mid-session break.

Students who are accepted must pay a $500 tuition fee. Haywood County students are fortunate to have Dr. Doris Hammett sponsor our participants. She is a huge supporter of the Governor’s School and pays the tuition for any student who is accepted into the program.

Submitted by:  Belinda Trantham, Federal Programs, Title I, and AIG Director