5 Rockdale County students named Georgia Governor Honors Program finalists

CONYERS, GA– This year, five students from Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) have been selected to attend the 2024 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) hosted at Georgia Southern University this summer. The students selected are pictured left to right from top row then bottom row:

• Ariana Boyd, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Biology/Environmental Science
• Christian Bridges, Heritage High School, World Languages – Spanish
• Gabrielle Christie, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology,Communicative Arts
• Alton Ellis, Rockdale County High School, Music –Tuba
• Sydney Hammett, Rockdale County High School, Theatre Performance.

RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts applauded the finalists.

“I congratulate our students for being selected for such a prestigious educational program,” said Oatts. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to enrich their learning over the summer and participate in a unique experience for gifted scholars.”

The Governor’s Honors Program is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. Selection is based on a combination of ability and interest and is highly competitive. More than 4,200 students were nominated at the state level, with more than 1,500 competing as semifinalists in this year’s state interview/audition process.

The 2024 Governor’s Honors Program will take place on the campus of Georgia Southern University, beginning June 16, 2024. Students will spend the mornings in their major area of nomination, exploring topics not usually found in the regular high school classroom for four consecutive weeks. Evenings are filled with opportunities to attend seminars, activities, concerts, and performances.

More information about GHP can be found on the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement website, https://gosa.georgia.gov/governors-honors-program.