Eight Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts students were among the approximately 400 rising seniors who attended the 47th annual Arkansas Governor’s School in July.
Arkansas Governor’s School is a four-week noncredit program that creates a unique learning experience for some of the state’s top students to become potential leaders. Participants choose from nine areas of study in STEM, arts and humanities subjects. The program is funded by the Arkansas State Legislature through the state Department of Education, allowing participants to attend at no cost. It is held annually on the Arkansas Tech University campus in Russellville.
Students also attended classes on epistemology — a branch of philosophy that examines the nature, origin and limits of knowledge — and a class that helped them explore their own thoughts on learning. Evening events included movies that were discussed in class, speakers, field trips and recreational opportunities. Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge spoke to the students on the final full day.
ASMSA students who participated in Arkansas Governor’s School and their chosen focus area included:
- Clem Sutterfield of Little Rock, Social Science;
- Judah Raimondi of Summit, English;
- Divi O’Dell of Cabot, Visual Arts;
- Dane Adamson of Lonoke, Drama;
- Wyatt Cowan of Texarkana, Math;
- Gabby Cowan of Texarkana, Natural Science;
- Amelia Wesley of Hot Springs, Instrumental Music; and
- Colt Erwin of Hot Springs, Math.
As part of the final week activities, small groups of students presented posters on current societal issues. Gabby Cowan was one two students chosen to represent the Natural Science group on a panel for visiting educators and legislators. She said that serving on the panel was an honor and that she enjoyed sharing her AGS experiences with teachers from all areas of the state.
Gabby’s group chose to explore political polarization in schools. “If polarization is addressed with young people, it can improve cooperation when they are adults,” she said. “We proposed a three-day workshop in schools where the students can engage in respectful debate and learn how to properly talk about certain issues like politics.”
Dr. Burt Hollandsworth, an ASMSA Chemistry instructor Distinction, taught in the Natural Science area. “In my four years at AGS I have witnessed students across Arkansas who undergo tremendous academic growth in just four weeks,” he said. “ASMSA students who attend AGS are leaders in their chosen areas and come back to us in the fall with a renewed zeal for learning. The students at AGS always give me hope for the future. They will make a positive impact on their schools, their communities, and the state of Arkansas.”