Creative minds think alike, and at GSP and GSA, students from all over Kentucky get the opportunity to communicate and engage with others like them.
Both organizations are notorious for their commitment to Kentucky’s next generation of leaders and artists. Though entirely separate, each program works to bring together the talented and intelligent youth of Kentucky.
Sending 11 students to GSP last year, GRC was highlighted for its achievement when students attending Centre College arrived on campus. In fact, GRC received a special shoutout given to GRC students at the opening ceremony given by Doctor Ariz, GSP’s executive director.
The goal of GSP is to strengthen Kentucky’s next generation of economic and civil leaders. Many people emphasize the importance of the time you spend at the Governor’s Scholars Program.
Josh Muse, a 2024 Governor’s Scholar (also accepted to GSA), expressed the impact the program had on him. “I’m so fortunate that I got to have this experience. I truly believe that I made some lifelong friends, and I’m so grateful that I was given this opportunity.”
There are numerous clubs and activities you can attend at GSP. Bryan Rich, campus director at Centre College, made sure to remind scholars to “Never say you have nothing to do, because at GSP you will always have something to do.”
“I played pickleball almost every single day I was there. I also really enjoyed walkie talkie, mockertivo, and bracket club,” says Josh. Another very popular event at GSP was the movie nights, which occurred very frequently.
GSP scholars were spread across the state this summer at one of three institutions: Centre, Morehead, or Murray State.
Genesis Smith was one of the two scholars from GRC placed at Morehead. “Anybody there you could talk to and have an intellectual and engaging conversation with. It’s just a really unique experience.”
Many students had overwhelming emotions, both positive and slightly overwhelming, that they faced when finding out they got accepted.
“Entering GSP, I was so nervous. What would I do if I didn’t make friends? Was I just going to sit there and be bored for five weeks?” quotes Madelyn Settles, a scholar who attended Centre. “I quickly realized everyone was thinking the same. Everyone was nervous and looking for their new best friends just like me.”
GSP is heavily encouraged amongst past alumni and anyone involved with the program. The application process is extensive, so if you are interested in going, start working on it now.
Governor’s School for the Arts is a three-week program, where artistic and creative minds get to learn and grow in their specialties. Three of GRC’s own attended the program at the UK campus this summer.
Abby Crase, a dancer who went to GSA, had an indescribable experience this summer. “The GSA experience is nothing short of extraordinary,”she said. “I will forever be grateful for my time spent with these amazing artists.”
Jill Akers also attended the program, and was so excited for the journey that it had in store for her. “Everybody I was around when I found out was super supportive. I already knew a few GSA alumni, and they were the most excited for me.”
There are a total of nine art forms that students can explore in the program — architecture & design, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, new media, visual art, and vocal music.
If any of these genres involve something you’re passionate about, you are strongly encouraged to apply. While on one hand you get to pursue something you love, you also get to form connections with strangers and form unbreakable bonds.
Both programs are heavily influential to those who attend and this is an opportunity you will never get anywhere else. If you’re interested in either program, look out for more information provided to you by one of your counselors in your grade level Google Classroom.
“All in all it was a life changing experience. Being around that many people who share your level of passion for what you do is something that really just shifts your perspective on your art,” mentions GSA alumni Ella Howton. “If I could go back, I would a million times over!”
