Pisgah High School junior Kennedy Barker was selected to attend the highly-competitive Governor’s School of North Carolina this summer.
The Governor’s School of North Carolina is a summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students that integrates academic disciplines, the arts and unique coursework. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in English, French, Spanish, mathematics, natural science, social science, art, choral music, instrumental music, theater and dance.
Students were selected to apply for Governor’s School in one of the above disciplines based on their grades. The application, which students submitted last fall, included two essays and two letters of recommendation.
Barker applied for and was accepted into the Governor’s School natural science program, which will be held at Meredith College in Raleigh. The natural science curriculum investigates contemporary theories and topics of modern science through interactive seminar, discussion, group and individual problem solving, and lab activities.
“I’ve always been interested in science, especially biology, genetics, and genome editing, Barker said. “I’ve always wanted to go into the medical field because I like helping people.”
During Governor’s School, students complete an intense study of the field they were nominated in and attend classes that encourage group discussion of practical applications of theory. Students have the opportunity to learn from speakers, performances, exhibitions, field trips, demonstrations, seminars and film series. When students are not in class, social and recreational events are offered.
Governor’s School faculty and staff include teachers and professionals from public and private schools, colleges and universities, and independent artists and scholars.
Governor’s School is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically and intellectually gifted high school students in the nation. Each year, up to 650 N.C. students are selected to attend Governor’s School.
“We are extremely proud of Kennedy’s achievements and can’t wait to hear about her experience at Governor’s School,” said Lisa Thompson, Haywood County Schools Federal Programs and Academically and Intellectually Gifted Director. “Governor’s School provides opportunities for personal, academic, social, and artistic growth.”
The cost of the program is being paid for by a donation from Dr. Doris Hammett, a local Haywood County Schools supporter and retired pediatrician.
“I think it’s so wonderful that Dr. Hammett thinks so highly of education that she would pay for students to attend Governor’s School,” Barker said. “It shows how much she cares about the students in Haywood County and their success in education and beyond.”
Barker will complete the four-week program from June 19 to July 16 with a three-day midsession break in July.
She will be taking no breaks when she returns home in July. Barker will attend Pisgah’s basketball camp as a player and then again as a mentor for the children’s camps the school hosts. After that, she will complete a competitive dance camp.
As she looks forward to her senior year at Pisgah, Barker will take several Advanced Placement (AP) classes, as well as classes at Haywood Community College. She plans to apply to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, University of Georgia, Wake Forest, and College of Charleston.
Submitted by: Carrie Sutton, HCS Foundation