NEWTON GROVE — As a member of Midway High School’s award-winning band, Dylan Hickok enjoys playing the tuba. In the summer, the sophomore is looking forward to expanding his talent through an elite program.
Hickok is attending Governor’s School in June. He was accepted into the area of instrumental music. The purpose of the statewide program is to give students a chance to explore new concepts in academics and the arts. It will be held on two campuses: Governor’s School West (Salem College in Winston-Salem) and East (Meredith College in Raleigh).
At first, Hickok was worried about spending five weeks of his summer, away from home. But later his thoughts changed about Governor’s School.
“Now I’m realizing that it’s a very big honor and I’m really glad that I made it,” Hickok said about attending Governor’s School East to learn new techniques and theories.
Hickok is one 670 rising high school juniors and seniors selected for the upcoming session. Governor’s School was created by Gov. Terry Sanford in the early 1960s. It’s the oldest statewide residential program for in intellectually gifted high school students in the United States.
The 16-year-old Newton Grove native went through an audition process. To prepare, he spent hours practicing on his tuba before the audition. Participants are also recommended by school officials and each school district is allotted a certain amount of nominations. The 10 specialized areas include English, foreign language (French or Spanish), mathematics, natural science, social science, art, choral music, instrumental music, theater and dance.
“I feel that all of the work that I put into the audition has paid off,” Hickok said.
The tuba player said it feels great to be a member of his school’s band program, which receives a lot of recognition. Through the music, he enjoys letting the audience hear his expressions through music.
“I really like the aspect of expressing yourself with using words,” he said. “If I play a piece of music, you have it on the page in front of you. I get to see it. You get a visual representation and you get a physical representation of the way I do it through the instrument.”
Hickok has a couple of years left in high school, but so far, Hickok said his future will involve music. After high school, Hickok plans to attend college and earn an education degree teaching music in college. The goal also has a doctorate degree attached, so he can become a professor.
Principal Monty Strickland said Hickok is a great student and diligent worker.
“He is a great student, yet he is so humble and sets a great example for his peers,” Strickland said. “We are proud of this accomplishment for him and look forward to his future at MHS and beyond.”