Jackson River Governor's School celebrates graduation, achievements of students
Zachary Vernon; Riley Spangler; Travis Hicks; Sydney Mahaffey; Silas Miller; and Orchid Tucker. Absent from the photo are Tori Critzer and Emily Lanahan.
Eight graduating Jackson River Governor’s School seniors were awarded Associate of Arts and Sciences Degrees in Science by Mountain Gateway Community College at its 57th Annual Commencement Ceremony in the MGCC Convocation Center on May 10.
These students earned the degree in addition to meeting the graduation requirements of Jackson River Governor’s School. Earning the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degrees in Science is an option for all students at Jackson River Governor’s School. This requires only 27 college credits in addition to the 41 college credits that the high school students earn at the Governor’s School. Most of those additional credits can be earned through dual enrollment. An associate degree can save students and families thousands of dollars of the cost of a bachelor's degree.
Jackson River Governor’s School is one of nineteen Academic Year Governor’s Schools in Virginia. It is a joint venture of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, Bath County Public Schools, Botetourt County Public Schools, Buena Vista City Public Schools, and Mountain Gateway Community College. The Governor’s School program is offered to students at no cost. The school divisions pay the tuition and the Governor’s School provides each student all textbooks, a laptop computer, a graphing calculator, and other required items. Governor’s School classes are scheduled to minimize interference with classes, school events, extra-curricular activities, and social experiences at the student’s high school.
Governor’s School students learn how to be successful in actual college courses taught by college faculty on a college campus. They learn in a college environment with other high school students who have similar interests and abilities and are focused on academic achievement. In addition to study skills and test-taking strategies, students develop skills in time management, setting priorities, and self-discipline. Completing a Governor’s School program is a tremendous advantage in college and scholarship applications and is a credential that can be included in resumes and job applications throughout a student’s career.
For additional information contact Eddie Graham, JRGS Director, at egraham@mgcc.edu or (540) 863-2872.