This summer, when nearly 700 students converge on college campuses across the state, two students from Clinton High School will be part of the elite group who will be exploring cutting-edge ideas and concepts in both academics and the arts.

Clinton High School students Amaya Apolinario and Crystal Barbour are part of the 2018 session of the North Carolina Governor’s School that will run from June 17-July 25. The chance to be a part of this endeavor is a great opportunity for all four students, who all say they are looking forward to the chance they are being given.

“This is one of the top accolades our students can receive,” Toni Blount, coordinator of college advising and scholarships, said. “Students who attend Governor’s School become part of a network that lasts a lifetime.”

The Clinton High School students were among 1,796 students nominated to attend Governor’s School and 670 chosen.

Apolinario and Barbour were nominated by the school before being selected for Governor’s School. The program is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made to include rising juniors in selected performing arts areas. There are 10 specialization areas for nomination, including English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science, Art, Choral Music, Instrumental Music, Theater and Dance.

Apolinario will be attending Governor’s School East for English and Barbour will be attending Governor’s School West for instrumental music. Apolinario will be housed at Meredith College in Raleigh and Barbour at Salem College in Winston Salem.

As the superintendent’s choice, Apolinario has decided to pursue the English pathway.

“I truly enjoy writing,” Apolinario said. “Writing and reading have become a passion for me.”

At Clinton High School, Apolinario is involved in the marching band color guard, Beta Club, Science Club and a Science Olympiad.

Upon graduating from Clinton, the rising senior said she would like to attend a four-year college and major in English and foreign language and work to become a college-level professor.

“I am excited about this opportunity,” she added. “I like to do things independently, and this is a great chance for me to do just that.”

Barbour says she has always had a passion for chemistry, and upon graduation, she would like to do something in the musical education field or pursue her interest in chemistry.

“This is more time than I have ever spent away from home,” Barbour said. “I’m looking forward to participating and being a part of the orchestra.”

While attending Governor’s School, the faculty and staff that will be working with the students includes distinguished teachers and professionals from the public and private schools, colleges and universities across the country.

“Our students come out of this experience as better critical thinkers,” Blount explained. “It not only benefits them in an academic environment, but opens doors to many opportunities.”

Clinton High School principal Dr. Steve Miller said the elite of the elite are chosen to attend Governor’s School, and in his opinion, all four students from Clinton High School are part of that group.

“Governor’s School takes public school to another level,” Miller said. “We have two students who are able to work on that level. That is a testament to the work they have done to get to this point.”

Governor’s School is a five and a half week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of the two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each disciple, and does not involve credit, tests or grades.

Clinton High School juniors Crystal Barbour and Amaya Apolinario will attend Governor’s School this summer.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_IMG_0077.jpgClinton High School juniors Crystal Barbour and Amaya Apolinario will attend Governor’s School this summer.
Apolinario, Barbour part of 2018 session

By Kristy D. Carter

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