Students take learning to the next level at Governor’s School

Several area high school students were chosen to attend the 2010 session of Alabama Governor’s School (AGS) at Samford University June 15-25. A total of 75 students from throughout the state attended the two-week honors program for rising high school seniors.
Participants included Grissom High School students Maura Bailey, Tim Callicutt and Gilda Naka; Huntsville High School students Chloe Crozier, Nick Olson and Davis Parker; Catholic High School students Timothy Fuerst, Lauren Poyer and Katie Sheibley; Zack Sullivan of Westminster Christian Academy, and Alex Folk of Columbia High School.
Sullivan, son of Beth and Van Sullivan, was named Outstanding Male Student at AGS.
AGS participants received college level experience in academics, creativity and leadership. Each student selected major and minor areas of coursework. The 16 course topics for morning and afternoon sessions included the arts, law, health and science-related subjects, history, and for the first time this year, a class in global citizenship.
The students also enjoyed a service project at the Birmingham Zoo, a piano concert and lecture on what audiences can listen for in classical concerts, a Birmingham Barons baseball game, a visit to the American Village and Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, and other activities.
AGS students are nominated by their schools on the basis of academic ability, leadership qualities, creativity and community service. Selection is also based on teacher and guidance counselor nominations, and a student-written essay.
Samford has offered the Governor’s School experience for high school students since 1987. Similar programs are held in many other states.