Thomas County Central High School held a reception for its 2017 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program nominees on Dec. 6.
The event included a welcome by Principal Trista Jones, introduction of nominees by assistant principal and GHP coordinator Dr. James Rehberg, and a speech by GHP alum Christina Maggitas. Refreshments were served after the ceremony.
Nominees and their chosen field of study are: Hailey Ferrel (science), Brett Hendricks (mathematics), C'lee Kornegay (science), Haley Newman (science), Brentley Odom (agricultural science), Ivey Parrish (dance), Sierra Stephens (social studies), Tori Stringer (agricultural science), Kennedy Ward (social studies), and Marion Rose Young (theatre).
“Our 10 nominees are among about 3,000 Georgia sophomores and juniors nominated to fill around 600 spots during the summer session in 2017,” Rehberg said. “It is a highly competitive endeavor and to be nominated is impressive even at this early stage. Thomas County Central High School takes great pride in its nominees and supports their efforts in obtaining a spot at GHP among the state’s best up-and-coming citizens.”
Rehberg explained the process from school nomination to selection as a GHP finalist. This includes completion of the online application by Jan. 4, followed by the wait to learn which candidates will be chosen for in-person interviews, during which time nominees will take part in mock interview preparation. These interviews for semifinalists are expected to take place on Feb. 25. Then, the school must wait until March 31 for the announcement of GHP finalists who are welcome to attend this year’s program, to be held on the Berry College campus.
“I wish the best of luck to our nominees and I know they will put forth a great effort,” Rehberg said.
Christina Maggitas, the school’s most recent ambassador, then spoke about her “fulfilling” experience attending GHP to study dance last summer.
“Having spent four weeks in an intensive, immersive learning environment studying dance and communicative arts made me a better student and prepared me for the adult world,” she said. “Not to mention, it was an awesome experience. In short, my time at GHP was extremely fun, inspiring, educational, and humbling.”
Maggitas adds, the experience allowed her to “grow as a dancer and as a person,” prepare for the professional dance world, and helped her “identify strengths and weaknesses in technique and form.” She urged school nominees to pursue acceptance to the program “with all your effort and vigor.”
“If GHP were a college, I would have already filled out my application packet and sent them a check,” she said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to attend it. You have the good fortune of having it in your future so please don’t waste this valuable opportunity. Be sure to utilize the resources available to you here at TCCHS and give it all you’ve got.”
Science nominee Haley Newman, who is specifically interested in biology, said she is “beyond ecstatic” to be nominated for this year’s GHP program.
“It feels great to know my hard work has paid off, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds in the field of science,” she said. “I’m confident that Governor’s Honors will prepare me for my future and help me reach my college and career goals.”