Two to attend Governor's School
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 14, 2010 1:46 PM
Kelly Best
James Beavers
Two Wayne County students have been chosen to attend Governor's School this summer.
More than 1,700 public and private school nominees vied for the 600 slots in 10 curriculum areas. The rising high school juniors and seniors from across the state will attend the six-week summer program for academically or intellectually gifted students.
Selected from Wayne County were Kelly Best, a rising senior at Rosewood High School, who will attend Governor's School West and James Beavers, a rising senior at Spring Creek High School, chosen to attend Governor's School East, both in the area of natural science.
Governor's School of North Carolina, founded in 1963 by former Gov. Terry Sanford, is the oldest statewide summer residential program in the nation. It is located on two campuses -- Governor's School West at Salem College in Winston-Salem and Governor's School East at Meredith College in Raleigh. The 2010 session runs from June 13 through July 24.
This is the first year a tuition fee will be required for students attending the program. Due to the state's economic situation, funding to cover program costs was reduced, resulting in a $500 tuition fee for each student. Payments could be picked up by the local school system or student's families.
The exceptional children's department absorbed the cost for the two local candidates, said Ken Derksen, public information officer. He said the department had budgeted in advance to cover the tuition.
Dr. Steven Taylor, schools superintendent, commended the students chosen to participate in the summer program.
"The students accepted into the Governor's School program are among the brightest in the state," he said. "We are proud to have Mr. Beavers and Ms. Best represent the district in this prestigious program. By attending Governor's School, they will have a wonderful opportunity to further cultivate their talents and abilities in their selected subject area of natural science."