Six LCPS students accepted to NC Governor's School
Six LCPS high school students already have a big part of their summer mapped out after being accepted to study at the highly selective North Carolina Governor’s School.
Chosen from more than 1,800 applicants were Mackenzie Hood of Lenoir County Early College High School and, from North Lenoir High School, Eagan Ballard, Kayla Britt, Lillian Daughety, Madeline Gilmore and Hayden Hall. The six represent a range of academic and artistic interests, from math and social science to dance and theater.
“We are very excited for our Governor’s School attendees. This is one the largest groups who have been selected to attend from Lenoir County Public Schools and they represent a wide variety of academic and arts disciplines,” said Amy Jones, who supervises LCPS’s nomination process as director of high school education.
“Governor's School is a unique experience which allows our students to interact with students from across the state who share similar interests,” Jones said.
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 Greensboro College in Greensboro and East at Meredith College in Raleigh – each accepts up to 400 students, mostly rising seniors, from the more than 1,800 nominations received. This year, Governor’s School runs from June 23 to July 20.
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:
Eagan Ballard, who will study social science on the West Campus. “I chose this because I have a special interest in both psychology and political science. I plan to major in neuropsychology in college because of this interest,” Eagan said. At North Lenoir, she is involved in SGA, National Honor Society, YoungLife, College Ambassadors Club and Hawk Krazees. She competes in varsity volleyball, soccer and women’s wrestling. Eagan is the daughter of Susanne Eledge of Kinston and Jimmy Ballard of whispering Pines.
Kayla Britt, who will study English on the East campus. “I chose English because of my love of reading and words,” she said. At North Lenoir, she is involved in the Drama Club, National Honor Society, SGA and cheerleading and is part of a competition cheer squad. Kayla is the daughter of Stacy and Jonathan Britt of Grifton.
Lillian Daughety, who will study dance on the West campus. “Dance has always been my passion and I find it incredibly therapeutic. I’m excited to learn different styles and techniques, to grow my understanding and appreciation of dance as a form of art,” she said. At North Lenoir, she is involved in SGA, National Honor Society, the cheerleading team and competition team. She served as a page in the N.C. House of Representatives, was a member of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy and participated in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. She was second runner-up in the Miss Neuse Scholarship Pageant and is a competitive dancer at Dance Etc. Lillian is the daughter of Jenny and Danny Daughety of Kinston.
Madeline Gilmore, who will study dance on the West campus. At North Lenoir, she is involved in SGA and Project Please Stay and runs cross country. She is a competitive dancer at Limited Danceworks. Madeline is the daughter of Nancy Gilmore of Kinston and Joel and Theresa Gilmore of Rocky Mount.
Hayden Hall, who will study theater on the East campus. “I chose theater because I enjoy acting and performing, as it is my strong suit,” he said. At North Lenoir, he is involved in the Drama Department, marching band and National Honor Society and plays varsity tennis. Hayden is the son of Joy and Wes Hall of Kinston.
Mackenzie Hood, who will study mathematics on the East campus. “I chose this field because I enjoy math and am interested in studying engineering,” she said. At Early College High School, she is a principals list student and a member of Lenoir Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She volunteers at Mary’s Kitchen, works as a student tutor and participated in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. Mackenzie is the daughter of Jennifer and Tracy Hood of Kinston.