Thousands of students were nominated to the state level Governor's Honors Program competition this year and just over 600 students were chosen as finalists. Seven SCCPSS students have been chosen as finalists, plus two 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.
The SCCPSS finalists are Aiden Maxwell, Jenkins High School; Alexander Adams, Islands High School; Haruna Sakuma, Henry Traynor, Michelle Ngo, Mina Smith, and Noah Eastman, all of Savannah Arts Academy. The two alternates are Ashlynn Mularchyk, Savannah Arts Academy, and Dan Ha, Jenkins High School. Returning from the class of 2020 are Jooyoung Oh, Savannah Arts Academy, and Godwill Agbehonou, Jenkins High School.
“In such a challenging year, we are proud to announce our Governor's Honors Program Finalists and Alternates for 2021,“ said Dr. Ann Levett, SCCPSS Superintendent. “The students who have qualified for this year's program, while coping with the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated an ability to move beyond obstacles and achieve greatness. We offer our congratulations to each student, their families and their teachers on this significant accomplishment."
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. The 2021 Governor's Honors Program is scheduled for June 20 to July 11 at Berry College (pictured above). Due to last year's program being canceled, COVID-19 restrictions will be put in place. 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.
