Nine Newton County Schools’ (NCS) high school students have been named semi-finalists for the 2026 Governor’s Honors Program (GHP). The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom. It is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
GHP is held in mid-summer (mid-June to mid-July) as a residential educational experience on a college or university campus. This year’s program will be hosted by Georgia Southern University from June 14 through July 11, 2026. Students will attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study, and then participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities every evening. Meals and rooms are provided by the program.
Students interested in attending must participate in a series of interviews and should be able to speak eloquently and in great detail about the subject they choose. They are students who desire to work with their subject outside of school and go above and beyond. Students may be nominated in Communicative Arts (ELA), all the Foreign Languages, Math, Science, Social Studies, Dance, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, Engineering, and Agriscience.
NCS students who have successfully passed the school and district-level interviews and had their applications approved by GOSA to be named a semifinalist in the program are as follows:
2026 Governor's Honors Semifinalists
| NAME |
|
GRADE |
|
SCHOOL |
|
SUBJECT AREA |
| Azaya Foster |
|
10 |
|
Alcovy High & NCCA STEM Institute |
|
Social Studies |
| Joshua Adeoya |
|
11 |
|
Eastside High & NCCA STEM Institute |
|
Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science |
| Zackary Ferdilus |
|
11 |
|
Eastside High & NCCA STEM Institute |
|
Science |
| Marcelle Johnson |
|
10 |
|
Alcovy High & NCCA |
|
Computer Science |
| Addelyn Consuegra |
|
10 |
|
Eastside High & NCCA STEM Institute |
|
Dance |
| Maria Paler |
|
11 |
|
Newton High (ALANHS) |
|
Communicative Arts |
| Bethany Edmondson |
|
11 |
|
Newton High (ALANHS) |
|
Dance |
| Bailey Fuller |
|
11 |
|
Newton High (ALANHS) |
|
Dance |
| Jovani Barnes |
|
11 |
|
Newton High (ALANHS) |
|
Dance |
“To have nine students named semifinalists for the Governor’s Honors Program is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the depth of talent across Newton County Schools,” said Dr. Ashante Everett, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also creativity, curiosity, and a commitment to pursuing their passions beyond the classroom. We are proud of the way they represent their schools and our district, and we are grateful for the teachers and mentors who have helped cultivate their gifts. We look forward to cheering them on as they continue in this highly competitive process.”