This summer was different from others for seniors Jorge Quidel and Justin Ward of North Lenoir High School and Nicolas Romero-Tavera and Taishu McLawhorn of Kinston High School. These four young men experienced a new level of academics when they attended North Carolina’s Governor’s School.
The Governor’s School was founded in 1963 and was designed to give academically gifted students from around the state an opportunity to explore new concepts and ideas in their chosen discipline.
Each school district is awarded a certain number of nomination slots based upon population. This year, Lenoir County was able to nominate six students and of the six, four were selected to participate.
In 2010, the General Assembly added a $500 tuition cost per-student to help offset program costs. According to Ellen Benton, executive director of instruction for Lenoir County Schools, three of the four students were awarded a Governor’s School Foundation scholarship from the Heisman Trust in order to pay the tuition fee.
The four students spent five weeks at Governor’s School East at Meredith College in Raleigh. A typical day consisted of a core class in the student’s discipline, followed by classes in philosophy and self and society in the morning with free time in the afternoon and convocation at night.
McLawhorn said, classes were not conducted in a lecture style, but instead focused on discussion. There also was no set topic for each class.
McLawhorn said in his social science class they came up with 140 different issues to discuss ranging from gender roles to psychology.
The difference in teaching style was appreciated by the other students.
“It was something enlightening and new,” Romero said.
In addition to the differences in the classroom, where no tests were given or grades assigned, the teens were able to meet and connect with other gifted students from around the state.
“We made friends and people who we talk to on a daily basis,” Ward said.
Kinston High School Principal Angela Bryant said she believes Governor’s School is a good opportunity for the students.
“It’s a great experience for them,” Bryant said. “They get to take their academics to the next level.”
At the end of five weeks, the teens came back to Lenoir County having met new friends from around the state, knowledge of different teaching styles and appreciation for their opportunity.
“I’m so glad I went. It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” McLawhorn said.
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @ nclark763.
