By Gavin Colton
NKU Marketing-Communications contributor
Sitting in Landrum Academic Center in a circle with the top young minds in the commonwealth, it’s apparent why these students were selected for the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) above others: bravery, farsightedness, and a sense of openness that is rare among most 17-year-olds.
GSP is a summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky—rising seniors who strive to become the next generation of civic and economic leaders. Those accepted enjoy academic and personal growth within a liberal arts program through general studies classes, focus area classes, seminars and an on-campus life experience. More than 350 GSP scholars spent the last few weeks here at Northern Kentucky University.
So, what sets these students apart?
In addition to needing a nomination from their respective school districts or private schools in order to be considered for admission, GSP NKU Director Jennifer Price says that applications are judged with consideration to GPA, ACT, or SAT scores, extracurricular involvement, leadership positions held, volunteer work, letters of recommendation, and an essay.
Carson Hardee from Lexington, is the only male dancer at Scapa Lafayette High School’s Youth Performing Arts School and believes that his involvement in and out of the classroom was what separated him from other applicants. Outside of his community service work, where he works in art education with local youth, Carson is heavily involved in his student council acting as class vice president.
Many of the scholars are also talented athletes who are keen on pursuing both athletics and academics.
Northern Kentucky local, Sarah Draud, says that she’s packed her academic and extra-curricular schedule to the tipping point. She welcomes the challenge of balancing school, sports, and dedication to her community.
“I’m kind of involved in everything—varsity volleyball, club volleyball, theatre, singing, band, and other clubs,” Sarah says. “I’d rather be busy than have nothing to do. I feel like I’m not only making a difference to myself, but to the people that I’m helping. I’m always wanting to engage in things fully and not sit back and let life happen.”
For Elizabethtown, resident Joshua Biggs, it’s always been about getting his hands on every opportunity he could. While he admits that his dense schedule stretches him thin, he’s keen on finding his calling in the community. For him, getting involved has been about finding what he loves to do.
Unfortunately, he says, there are only so many hours in a day. Once Joshua picked up a part-time job, for instance, he had to stop running track in high school.
College with a twist
It’s clear that some of these scholars’ academic accolades have come at a price — sports, time with friends, and much of their summer break.
In the classroom, the scholars are attentive and read read select newspaper articles in hopes of picking up on the craft of good writing. Across campus in the Fine Arts Building computer lab, aspiring photographers upload their photos from field trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Great American Ball Park, and Kenton County Fair.
It feels like a college class, with a twist. “It’s not exactly like college,” Joshua says. “But I think it is preparing us and giving us that first little taste of freedom and independence. We’re really getting our foot in the door.”
Like any typical classroom experience, there is a concerted disconnect from the outside world—cellphones are forbidden in classes and only permitted in dorm rooms during free time.
Henderson County native Issac Oettle has been enjoying life away from his cellphone; he’s learning to go out and talk to new people.
Other students agree it’s been an interesting experience being away from their phones for the majority of the day, but they concur that they’ve definitely felt the difference in connecting with other scholars on campus—connections that couldn’t be made through texting or social media.
“It forces you to make connections with people,” Sarah says. “At first it was a little unsettling because you want to get a hold of friends back home and people you’ve met here. It encourages you to talk to someone you otherwise would never have talked to.”
Broadening horizons
All students agree that their horizons have been broadened vastly since becoming a GSP scholar.
“They encourage us to be free thinkers while respecting other people’s beliefs and opinions,” Joshua says. “It helps you put everything in perspective. You can learn a lot from what other people have to say.”
Besides an outstanding application, scholars appear to have spent the majority of their middle school and high school careers gearing themselves up for “the next step.”
When class is over, the GSP scholars stick around to talk more about their shared experience. They swap stories about their road to GSP, about future plans, and why they initially applied—a combination of scholarship opportunities at in-state institutions, the legacy of GSP, and the testimonies of GSP alumni.
The group harmonizes in saying that even now, they can see that GSP will change their lives.
“It’s a bonding experience where you get to know yourself and everyone else,” Sarah says. “No two people have the exact same opinion. You learn how to communicate with other people and put differences aside.”
While many of the scholars love their high school lives, these 17-year-olds seem to be looking beyond AP classes and the rigmarole of hometown life. Whether it’s becoming a playwright in New York, running for political office, starting a family, or continuing to find ways to contribute to their communities, this year’s GSP.
NKU Governor Scholars are working hard to become future leaders.