This summer, 650 of North Carolina’s most academically gifted and creative rising high school juniors and seniors will explore cutting-edge ideas and concepts in academics and the arts as part of the 2018 session of the North Carolina Governor’s School. The program, which does not involve credit, tests or grades, is the oldest statewide summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students in the nation.

Local superintendents nominate students to attend Governor’s School each year. The program is open to rising seniors in the areas of English, French, Spanish, mathematics, natural science, social science, art, choral music, instrumental music, theater, and dance. Students study for a five-week period in the area of their selection.

The North Carolina Department of Instruction offers this summer enrichment opportunity on two college campuses across the state. Governor’s School-East is located on the campus of Meredith College in Raleigh. At Salem College, located in Winston-Salem, Governor’s School-West takes place.

Dr. Barry Williams, superintendent of Gates County Schools, is pleased to announce Dustin Kirby and Cole Dickerson will serve as the representatives from Gates County for the 2018 session.

Kirby is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pat Kirby of Cofield. He excels in the area of visual arts at Gates County High School where he is a rising senior. Kirby is active in various organizations and activities at GCHS that include BETA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Art Guild, and other gifted education programs. Kirby volunteers at Gatesville Elementary School where he works with ESL students. He is also a member of Union Baptist Church in Ahoskie, where he participates in youth activities.

Kirby will be attending Governor’s School-West to study in the area of visual arts.

Dickerson is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Dickerson of Gatesville. He is an active member of HOSA, serving as a district and state officer. He is a member of the GCHS varsity soccer team.

Recently, Dickerson founded the BEST (Biomedical Engineering Science and Technology) club at GCHS. Also, Dickerson holds membership in the BETA club at GCHS. In addition, Dickerson is currently pursuing the ranking of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He volunteers many hours working with students in STEM education at Buckland Elementary School. Dickerson is a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Hobbsville, NC.

Dickerson will be attending Governor’s School-East to study in the area of natural sciences.