Lake Oconee Academy recently announced that three of its upper-school students have been selected as semifinalists for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP).
According to a recent press release from LOA, the GHP is one of the most competitive summer academic programs in the state, and approximately 4,300 students were nominated across Georgia.
For this year’s occasion, 1,500 students advanced to the semifinals, including LOA sophomores Jameson Lackey and Jillian Gruszynski, and junior Lillian Garcia-Carreras.
Lackey was nominated for the mathematics category, while Gruszynski was selected for social studies, and Garcia-Carreras was selected for theater. The three students traveled to Georgia Southern Feb. 28 to complete their auditions and interviews as part of the selection process.
According to the recent report, the students who advance past the semifinal stage are invited to attend the official GHP event during the summer. The program is a “fully-funded residential experience” in which students participate in “intensive, college-level coursework in their chosen fields.”
The governor’s office supports the GHP, recognizing it as one of the “highest academic honors” a Georgia high school student can attain.
LOA Executive Director Brad Bowling recognized the students for their place in the semifinals round, calling it a positive representation of the school.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for the educators who devote countless hours to prepare and encourage them,” Bowling said. “Having three students reach this level of recognition is an outstanding achievement for Lake Oconee Academy.”