Five LCPS students chosen for NC Governor’s School

English, natural science, math and theater – those are the subjects that five students from three LCPS high schools will immerse themselves in this summer while attending the highly selective N.C. Governor’s School.

Chosen in competition for spots in the four-week program were Hannah Van, Elijah Heath and Shamiah Hall of Lenoir County Early College High School; Hayden Zeagler of South Lenoir High School; and Javiar Grady of Kinston High School.

“We are so proud of this group of students,” Amy Jones, LCPS’s director of high school education, said. “The applications this year were outstanding.”

Governor’s School is a summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students that offers instruction in 11 areas of academic or artistic emphasis, as well as a broader curriculum that integrates these areas.

It is the oldest program of its kind in the nation. Its two campuses – West at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem and East at Meredith College in Raleigh – each accepts 325 students, mostly rising seniors, from the more than 1,800 nominations received. This year, Governor’s School runs from June 18 to July 15.

Students win admission after being nominated by their schools and compiling an application package that includes grades and test scores, teacher recommendations and essays that shed some light on their personal and academic interests. Students applying in the areas of art, choral music, dance, instrumental music and theater auditioned earlier this year.

Representing LCPS at this summer’s session, along with their field of study and the Governor’s School location, are:

Hayden Zeagler, son of Tracie and Jerry Zeagler of Deep Run, who will study math on the East Campus. “I chose this field because math is a subject that I have previously struggled in, and I wanted to get better. I thought it would be a great opportunity to make myself a stronger student,” he said. At South Lenoir High, Hayden competes as a member of the cross country, track and wrestling teams. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the College Board Rural and Small-Town Award.

Elijah Heath, son of Ivy and David Heath of Fort Barnwell, who will study natural science on the East Campus. “I chose natural science because I have always loved science and hope to have a career in biochemistry one day,” he said. At Early College, he is a tutor for Early College and Lenoir Community College students, is co-vice-president of the Student Government Association, is a student worker in LCC’s Admissions Department and is a Principal’s List and President’s List student.

Hannah Van, daughter of Xuyen Van of Grifton, who will study English on the East Campus. “I chose this discipline because I am passionate about writing and literature. For me, literature is a gateway to better understanding the world,” she said. At Early College, she is junior class representative for the Student Government Association. She is a teen volunteer at Neuse Regional Library, an incoming member of Phi Theta Kappa at LCC and a participant in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy.

Shamiah Hall, daughter of Egbert Hall and Shellemiah Graham, both of Kinston, who will study natural science on the West Campus. “I have always been interested in the science behind the everyday things we encounter. Since my personality is very investigative, the critical thinking skills encouraged by natural sciences will be very beneficial. As an inspiring pediatrician, I believe that the knowledge and resources provided through this program will help ensure that I can provide the highest quality healthcare for children,” she said. At Early College, Shamiah competes on the school’s Science Olympiad team and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Music Club and Quill Writing Team. She is a President’s List student.

Javiar Grady, son of Donisha Grady and grandson of Roslyn Murriell, both of Kinston, who will study theater on the West Campus. “Over the last couple of years acting has become a part of my life. Theatre has taught me that the world is my stage and that I should perform at my best daily,” he said. Javiar is the brass captain in the Kinston High School Marching Sounds of Gold and a member of the school’s Drama Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the Gospel Choir.