VSU Hosts 32nd Annual Governor's Honors Program

VALDOSTA -- The 32nd Annual Governor’s Honors Program is underway on Valdosta State University’s campus.

During this year’s program, which spans four weeks, 690 rising high school juniors and seniors study under a host of faculty and staff to expand their knowledge and experience life on a college campus.

Participating GHP students were nominated by their high school teachers in the areas of study in which they excel, before participating in an interview process with the GHP faculty and staff. Each participant created a portfolio and presentation for the GHP faculty and staff, who made the final selections of students to participate in the program for the summer. Those who earned the opportunity will focus on arts, science, foreign language, business management or one of many other specialty areas, tailoring a program to fit specific desires.

“The longest running summer enrichment program in the nation, this is the 48th year the GHP has been in existence and the 32nd year that it has been on VSU’s campus,” said GHP Program Director Dale Lyals. “The university has been so supportive of the program and we have proudly watched the university grow over the years.”

Lyals, who participated in GHP as a high school student, said that the program helps students develop ideas and shows them how to succeed and know what to do if and when they fail.

“This program made me an independent lifelong learner. Through GHP, I realized that I was responsible for my own learning, whether my school teachers were good teachers or not.”

Lyals added that several of the GHP faculty members are alumni of the program. Lyals has worked with GHP since 1984. He recently became the program director after the previous director, Joe Searle, retired in March.

GHP began with 400 student participants in 1964 at Wesleyan College in Macon. Successful results allowed for expansion to 600 students and an additional location at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega the following year. In 1980, Valdosta State University became a new host, before becoming the official campus for a consolidated program.

The program calendar is available online at http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/blogs/ghpblog.nsf/DailyBlog . For more information, you may also call (229) 253-4271 or e-maildlyes@doe.k12.ga.us .