By Joshua Huff, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE – Hewitt-Trussville High School is now home to three rising high school seniors who were selected to participate in a distinguished summer program that provides those accepted with a platform to explore academic and intellectual topics with like-minded students from throughout Alabama.
John Patrick Campbell, Jacob Copham and Abby Weems were one of 80 to 90 students throughout Alabama selected to attend the Alabama Governor’s School, which is a summer residential program funded by Samford University, the state of Alabama and private donors. The annual program provides students with academic, creative and leadership experiences. The students share a common desire to explore academic and intellectual topics and to engage in creative pursuits at a level and pace not always possible during the regular school year.
Students are required to attend and participate in classes, the central theme program and other selected activities. All other activities are optional, although students are encouraged to utilize all opportunities available to them.
“Assignments may include the keeping of journals, the preparation of essays and position papers, library research, extensive reading, and laboratory, and other projects,” the Alabama Governor’s School wrote. “Some subject concentrations involve field studies, rehearsals, preparation of exhibits, participation in public performances, or production of a video, magazine, or yearbook. Every participant should be prepared for extensive mental exercise. Alabama Governor’s School Scholars will find their participation to be one of the most challenging and stimulating learning experiences they have had.”
Students are nominated be either their principal, counselor or themselves. Nominations are made on the basis of criteria provided by the Alabama Governor’s School. Once nominated, a panel of distinguished educators carefully screens all candidates. Selections are based on the panel’s recommendations.
To be eligible, students need to:
- Attend an Alabama high school or is home schooled in Alabama.
- Student is in the eleventh grade.
- Student has the ability, maturity, desire, and willingness to handle difficult situations successfully with advanced academic concepts, materials and activities.
- Student has a positive attitude toward the exploration of new and/or different concepts and areas of study.
- Student has the ability to analyze and synthesize interrelationships between broad areas of the humanities, arts, and sciences.
- Student can adjust to being away from home for an extended period of time and will commit to participate in the full.
- Student has a composite score of 25 or higher on the American College Test (ACT) within the past two years.
- Student has a selection index score of 170 or higher on the PSAT or a score of 1650 or higher on the SAT within the past two years.
- Student exhibits two of the following: excellence in one or more academic areas, excellence in one or more of the fine or performing arts, demonstrated creative or productive thinking ability and problem solving skills, and leadership within the school or community.
- Student has helped the community, either through school or through extracurricular activities such as church, Scouts, etc.
Unfortunately, based upon the current coronavirus pandemic, students cannot attend sessions in June as previously scheduled.