KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education’s regular business meeting on May 6 included a special recognition for two students accepted into the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School, the oldest state-wide summer residential educational program in the nation.
Eduardo Gonzalez of Wallace-Rose Hill High School and Maya Smith of Duplin Early College High School were selected for the high honor of attending the four-week exploratory learning opportunity following a rigorous application process facilitated by Janice Goldsby that involved essay submissions, personal reflections and teacher recommendations. According to Nicole Murray, chief academic officer for STEAMA Curriculum and Instruction/Professional Development, selection for participation in the program is a high honor.
“We certainly congratulate these two students. They represent the best of Duplin County and North Carolina students based on their outstanding achievements,” said Murray. “It is a very competitive process to be selected for the North Carolina Governor’s School.”
Gonzalez, son of Isis Yanez and Eduardo Gonzalez, will be attending Governor School West at Greensboro College for Social Sciences. Smith, daughter of Sara Marinelli and Jamal Smith, will attend Governor School East at Meredith College to study Natural Sciences. Murray explained that the program focuses not on tests and grades, but on growth and exploration.
“Our students have the opportunity to spend four weeks learning, engaging with other students, integrating academic disciplines, arts, and lots of unique courses that they can take.”
Though the students weren’t able to attend, Murray indicated that they would be honored with certificates at their respective schools in recognition of their selection for the program.
“We extend as usual our thanks to their teachers, their parents, and all of the staff that have supported them through the years. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to recognize them.”