Alumni
Alumni are the heart and soul of the Governor's School programs. After encountering the Governor's School experience, alumni return to their home schools to spread the word about the program. Without hesitating, alumni consistently remark that Governor's School was "the best summer they'd ever had."
The page should become a jumping-off place for alumni to catch up with old friends, meet alumni from different sessions, and learn about new opportunities for alumni to become involved in the Governor's School after they have left the program. We would like to develop an alumni network that will allow us to keep track of alumni from all years and all programs.
You may also want to "become a fan" on facebook of the Governor's School. This is the official facebook presence for the Governor's School. Many facebook groups are created and maintained by alumni for specific years as well as general groups. The office does not endorse any facebook group, but recognizes that they can be wonderful ways for alums to stay connected with each other and the office with them. Keep it up!
This page last updated October 1, 2008.
The reunion for the participants in the 2008 Governor's School for Humanities and Visual & Performing Arts is set for October 18, 2008. A few details are available on this website and you may visit the Governor's School facebook page to RSVP (though no RSVP is necessary).
While this is the only "official" event for 2008 participants, we do encourage students to organize their own reunions.
Photo CD
Keeping the Program Alive
The Governor's School is made possible by the financial support of the Virginia Department of Education and participating schools. Each year as budgets grow tighter, it grows increasingly critical for your state legislators to know how important this program is and the difference it makes in the lives of the Commonwealth's gifted students - their future constituents! Please write your legislators and tell them of your Governor's School experience so that funding for Governor's Schools will continue and other students will be able to take advantage of this opportunity. This link will take you to the State Legislature site where you can look up who your State Delegate and Senator are. Once found, you will be given an option to send an e-mail message to them both.
You may also wish to thank your school system Superintendant or headmaster as participating schools fund up to half of the cost of the program. Check out the list of all public school divisions, superintendents, and contact information available from the Virginia Department of Education.
Additionally, the University of Richmond provides tens of thousands of dollars (if not hundreds of thousands!) of in-kind support that makes the program possible. One example is a reduced rate for housing and meals. A few people on campus would appreciate a quick e-mail thanking them for the University's and their support of this program.
- Dr. Ed Ayers , President, University of Richmond
- Dr. David Kitchen, Director of Summer Programs, School of Continuing Studies
Finally, you may also want to send a quick note to the folks who will be in charge of the program at Christopher Newport University, encouraging them in their decision to host the program in 2009 and beyond.
- Dr. Kelly Cartwright, Associate Provost
- Dr. Marsha Sprague, Director of Teacher Preparation
Alumni Networking
In an effort to develop an alumni network, we are attempting to establish a database of alumni, a password-protected real-time interactive resource for all alumni. Suggestions for this project are greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, facebook is still a great place to connect, re-connect, and stay connected with former participants -- students, faculty and staff!
Alumni Pins
Governor's School alumni pins are available! If you did not have the opportunity to make a donation and receive your pin at the conclusion of the program, money will be collected and pins given out at the reunion. A $5 donation is suggested. If you are unable to attend the reunion and would like to order one of these pins, contact the Governor's School office via snail mail with $3.00 and your return address. All other proceeds from sales of alumni pins go toward maintaining and developing the alumni database. The pin design follows. Actual size: lapel pin 1" x 0.75".
Scholarship Opportunities
The Savannah College of Art and Design offers a $3000 scholarship to students who successfully complete the Virginia Governor's School program. If you apply, let the admissions office know you were a pariticipant in our program. They will call our office to confirm. (Scholarships are also offered based on SAT scores, IB programs, and more.)
The Mississippi University for Women (admitting men since 1982) offers a $500 scholarship to any participant of a Governor's School program. If you apply, make sure to let the admissions office know you attended Governor's School. They may call our office to confirm.
Students applying to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill may wish to consider applying for the Robertson Scholars Program. The program covers tuition, room and board at either school. Students who feel that the Robertson Scholars Program can help them significantly in developing their leadership skills and making meaningful contributions to their local and global communities should submit a Supplemental Materials Form to indicate their interest in the Robertson Scholars Program. Students are asked to complete this form online by December 1, 2008.
From the Top has a scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. The award includes a performance on From the Top’s radio show, $10,000, and Cultural Leadership training. They will be awarding the Cooke Young Artist Award each year to 25 classical musicians between the ages of 8-18. The primary selection criteria are musical talent and financial need. Check their website for application deadlines.
If you know of other scholarship opportunities, partculalry those specifically for Governor's School participants, please let the office know.