Over 3,100 students were nominated to the state level Governor's Honors Program competition this year and nearly 1,400 of them participated in this year's state interview and selection process. Of those 1,400 – 659 were chosen as finalists. Seven SCCPSS students have been chosen as finalists, plus six as alternates.
The Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and that is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
Due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Governor's Honors Program originally scheduled for June 14 to July 11 at Berry College will be cancelled for the first time since its inception in 1964. Though COVID-19 has changed the landscape of business as usual, Georgia Governor Brian Kemps says it should not overshadow recognition for those who are passionate about learning and demonstrate outstanding aptitude throughout the wide range of disciplines represented in the Governor's Honors Program.
“It is my honor to congratulate this year's Governor's Honors Program finalists. Several members of my staff participated in past programs, so I know firsthand about the intelligent and talented individuals who are chosen to participate," said Governor Kemp. “These finalists are our future leaders, and we celebrate and encourage their continued educational growth. While we are disappointed that these finalists are unable to participate as planned, we look forward to continuing to honor and recognize their accomplishments."
Each year, thousands of nominations are received from each of the twelve economic development regions in Georgia. Finalists progressed through several rounds of intensive competition, including interviews and performances, to be named as finalists for the 2020 Governor's Honors Program. Plans are underway to publicly honor these students and the Governor's Office of Student Achievement plans for the 2021 program to include as many of the 2020 finalists as possible.
Congratulations to this year's SCCPSS Governor's Honors Program finalists and alternates!
Alexander Adams Alternate– Science/Biology – Islands High School
Godwill Agbehonou Finalist– Mathematics – Jenkins High School
Ana Carvahlo Alternate– Social Studies – Jenkins High School
Noah Eastman Alternate– Music/Woodwind:Bassoon - Savannah Arts Academy
William Jennings Finalist-Music/Brass:Trombone - Savannah Arts Academy
Ariana Kalantari Finalist-Mathematics - Savannah Arts Academy
Cailyn Kurdys Finalist-Visual Arts - Savannah Arts Academy
Vincent Nguyen Alternate-Mathematics - Savannah Arts Academy
Jooyoung Oh Finalist- Visual Arts – Savannah Arts Academy
Sophia Powell Finalist- Dance – Savannah Arts Academy
Jamie Smith Alternate- Dance – Savannah Arts Academy
Ja'Lene Woods Finalist- Dance – Savannah Arts Academy
Frank George Alternate-Engineering/Mechanical Design – Jenkins High School
