High school students selected for N.C. Governor’s School program

Eighteen students from Gaston County Schools were selected to attend the 2023 session of the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School.

Held annually at two sites, Governor’s School East is at Meredith College in Raleigh and Governor’s School West is at Winston-Salem State University.  The program runs June 18 through July 15.

The following students from Gaston County Schools were chosen to attend Governor’s School this summer.  The list includes their high school and area of study.

■ Governor’s School - East
Ethan Dellinger, South Point High School - Mathematics
John Gouch III, South Point High School - Mathematics
Ella Hamilton, East Gaston High School - Mathematics
Logan Watkins, Stuart W. Cramer High School - Instrumental Music
Bowie Werran, Stuart W. Cramer High School - Theater

■ Governor’s School - West
Lauren Arthurs, South Point High School - English
Aissatou Diouf, Ashbrook High School - Natural Science
Dylan Grimes, Gaston Early College High School - Mathematics
Skyler Hernandez, Highland School of Technology - Spanish
Benjamin Kimmel, Hunter Huss High School - English
Briana Maga, Forestview High School - Natural Science
Ian McGinnis, South Point High School - Mathematics
Samantha Narciso, South Point High School - Spanish
Pressley Rankin, East Gaston High School - Choral Music - Alto 2
Emma Thweatt, Forestview High School, Social Science
Ainsley VanderMeer, Stuart W. Cramer High School, Social Science
Alexander Villarreal, South Point High School, Theater
Jacey Williams, Forestview High School, Dance

Governor’s School is a summer enrichment program for 820 students from across the state.  It is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically and/or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation.  The experience provides an opportunity for outstanding students to explore the latest developments, problems, and theories in the various fields of the arts and sciences. 

Nominations for Governor’s School are made by each local high school, reviewed by a local committee, and submitted to a state committee for final selection.  The process is extremely competitive.  Students are chosen based on academic standing or the ability to perform in an area of concentration such as dance, art, music, and drama.

Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker stated:  “We would like to congratulate our students who were chosen to attend Governor’s School 2023.  Being selected is one of the most significant accomplishments a high school student can achieve.  The students are to be commended for their outstanding achievement and for being among the brightest and most talented students in our state.”

A distinguished faculty chosen from public and private schools, colleges and universities, and private businesses and organizations serve as teachers in the program.  Nationally-recognized consultants also provide instruction.

Click here for more information about the North Carolina Governor’s School program.