Governor's School inspired me

February 10, 2009 12:36 am

Since beginning my year at the University of Virginia, I have not seen or heard much from The Free Lance-Star. I've been more concerned with school news than what is going on at home.

However, when a friend sent me the article from Feb. 8 suggesting that the Stafford County School Board is considering eliminating the Commonwealth Governor's School, I was incensed.

I graduated from the program in 2008 as the salutatorian of Colonial Forge High School. CGS was a pivotal part of my high school experience and offered me the opportunities that helped me get to where I am now. Working with professional engineers on my senior culminating project inspired me to pursue engineering as a career. The college-credit classes offered let me start my higher education with over 40 credit hours.

Beyond education, the program developed me as a person. My freshman year at Colonial Forge High School, I did not participate in Governor's School. I was bored. My classmates copied my work. I was considered a "nerd" and had few friends.

CGS gave me a learning environment with equally motivated peers and teachers who understood the way I thought and learned. As a direct result of my Governor's School experiences, I have really developed confidence and a desire to pursue learning and education.

Sure, the program costs money. Everything does. But no monetary value can be placed on the necessity for gifted students to have the environment necessary for their growth and development.

The School Board should be able to find ways to cut costs without punishing the students who desperately need the program.

Kathryn Geberth

Charlottesville