Thomas County Central High School has announced its Governor’s Honors Program nominees for the 2019 session.
Teachers recommended students and school administration has selected 10 deserving youths to represent TCCHS through the GHP application process. These students are Bryce Barwick in math, Nathaniel Bellamy in communicative arts, Kendajah Cummings in science (biology), Zachary “Zach” Goff in engineering (mechanical and electrical engineering), William “Brandon” Hopper in math, Anna James in world languages (Spanish), David “Tommy” Piland Jr. in music (brass), Danielle Sauls in social studies, Joshua Stephens in music (jazz) and Kaleb Ward in music (voice).
“I believe this year's cohort is among some of our best nominees, and they are well prepared to compete against the state's finest students and hopefully secure a spot at the 2019 edition of the GHP summer program,” TCCHS Assistant Principal Dr. James Rehberg said.
Junior Kendajah Cummings is honored to be a TCCHS GHP nominee.
“It shows how my school administration and teachers value my work ethic and determination, which is important to me…” she said.
Her chosen area of science, her nominated field, is biology.
“Science has always seemed more of an experience rather than a subject to me,” Cummings said. “I’m always intrigued when learning how the world operates in relation to science. Learning about science makes me feel well informed at all times because the world operates through science from everyday life to the resources we use daily. I find that pretty cool.”
Fellow nominee Joshua Stephens says being selected to apply means another opportunity to continue improving himself.
“I feel very honored to be nominated by my teachers because it shows me they notice the work I do to be at my best,” he said. “To me, being nominated means I get another opportunity to strive to be the best that I can be. I want to apply for GHP to have a chance to meet new people and experience a diverse learning environment, which will help me increase my musical ability as well as my skills with interacting with others.”
His chosen field is music. The current high school junior has played piano since the second grade, French horn since the sixth grade and bass guitar since eighth grade.
“I chose to apply for GHP in music, specifically jazz, because it is something I have enjoyed for my entire life,” Stephens said. “I feel like music is one of the most important methods of communication and expression that doesn't need words. The thing I enjoy most about music is how universal it is. Music can connect with everyone, which I find fascinating.”
TCCHS nominees who choose to accept the nomination and move forward have until Jan. 4, 2019 to complete the online application. Semi-finalists are expected to be notified Jan. 25 and interviews held at Berry College in February. Finalists and alternates should be announced March 29.
Cummings knows participation in GHP would enrich her educational experience and is taking the application process seriously.
“When preparing my application, I will reflect on my accomplishments and contributions to my community,” Cummings said. “If I am selected…it would feel like my dedication is being showcased. Overall, GHP is an amazing opportunity to network, build my potential and, of course, gain knowledge.”
GHP will be held June 16-July 13 at Berry College.
Being selected would mean a great deal to Stephens.
“I think it would show that my work has paid off, and it would be a very large step on the path to be the best that I can be personally, academically and musically.”