Anika Sridhar
Thirteen Columbus High School students attended a four-week summer stay at the
Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) hosted at Berry College.
CHS students that were selected to this year’s GHP participated in subject areas such as
Communicative Arts, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Visual Arts.
According to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, GHP is a “residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and
seniors” and “offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school
classroom.”
Students are nominated to apply, and the first round of applications is due in the first
semester. After being nominated, students undergo a rigorous application process, including an interview where they demonstrate their knowledge in their nominated area.
“[After being nominated] I was initially hesitant, but I became interested after hearing
that the program was free,” said Newt Seamount (12), who majored in Communicative Arts.
“I went to classes about many niche topics related to Communicative Arts. Then there
was my minor, which could also be a variety of interesting topics, depending on what you
picked. After that, you could be with your friends or do activities set up by the staff. I would just go around campus and mess around with my hallmates and friends,” said Seamount.
Tristan Dempsey (12), who majored in Cello, recommends the program to sophomores
and juniors interested in applying, citing the GHP environment as “very friendly and inspiring.”
“GHP did require a lot of work and effort from the students, but you were always
surrounded by people who were just as passionate and hardworking as you. We taught each other and motivated each other, which brought us all together,” said Lawson Ragan (12), who majored in Mathematics.