The three-week program, titled “Your Silent World,” will focus on providing a voice to the voiceless through art, media, science and technology. Participants will build a toolbox that prepares them to identify and advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. This year GHA will take the students to Ohio, where they’ll visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. There, students will learn about the efforts of those who fought to abolish slavery and secure freedom for all people.
GHA promotes critical thinking as students will lead discussions and activities that will help shape the dialogue of the academy. For the second consecutive year GHA will be hosted at Marshall University. The academy is made up of 154 outstanding West Virginia high school scholars from 39 counties.
The co-deans for GHA 2019 are Cara Bailey, Yeager coordinator, and Mallory Carpenter, program manager for national scholarships, both housed in the Marshall Honors College.
Bailey says schools like GHA are critical to the success of students in West Virginia.
“Governor’s Honors Academy is so important to students in our state, because it instantly provides a network of like-minded students and faculty who challenge, encourage and connect on levels that some students have not previously experienced,” Bailey said. “This school and its counterparts truly change the lives of students who are able to attend.”
Faculty and staff for GHA are selected to give students a specifically designed curriculum. Students attend workshops, classes, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
Carpenter says the plan is to provide an atmosphere that allows the students to flourish.
“The program combines outstanding courses with fun activities, all designed to help students foster lasting mentorships and friendships during their time at GHA,” Carpenter said. “We’re beyond excited to have these students on Marshall’s campus and let them experience this year’s academy.”
Other Governor’s Schools include the Governor’s School for the Arts, which is currently in session at Marshall, the Governor’s School of Entrepreneurship hosted at West Virginia University, and the Governor’s STEM Institute, which will be at WVU and Green Bank.
All students applying for one of the state’s Governor’s Schools must currently reside and attend school in West Virginia and plan to be a student the following year.
GHA is overseen by the West Virginia Department of Education. Students selected are provided the opportunity at no cost to them or their families.
For more information, contact Bailey by e-mail at Bailey160@marshall.edu or by phone at 304-696-2474, or Carpenter at by e-mail at Mallory.Carpenter@marshall.edu or by phone at 304-696-2475.