SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF: TCCHS juniors Grayson Jones and Allyson ‘Ally’ Moore will attend this summer’s Georgia Governor’s Honors Program.

THOMASVILLE — Two Thomas County Central High School students are among the final few whose skill, knowledge and talent unlocked the door to a prestigious and highly selective summer initiative.

Juniors Grayson Jones and Allyson “Ally” Moore, both 17, received finalist invitations to attend the 2023 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, or GHP, which brings together some of the state’s brightest minds for a month of accelerated learning on a college campus. Jones earned her nod for Communicative Arts; Moore’s selection is for Agricultural Science.

“I am very excited that Grayson and Ally have the opportunity to take part in this fully-funded enrichment program,” Erin White, MERIT director and Advanced Placement coordinator said. “GHP is very selective, and it is quite a credit to these students and our school that they were chosen as finalists.”

Grayson Jones felt immense joy upon learning of her GHP selection, especially given she’s worked toward the designation for two years.

“This program is so competitive in every subject, so to know that I’m among some of the best writers in the state is amazing,” she said. “I found out about the program last year, and I wanted to go more than anything. I knew I would be surrounded by people who are just as passionate about communicative arts as I am, and I had to be there!”

Unfortunately, Jones was not a 2022 finalist; however, she learned from the experience and dedicated herself to understanding the program better so she would make the cut on her second try.

“I probably stood out because I centered my application around my attempt from last year and explained how the rejection made me want to be there even more,” she said. “I’m so thankful to my teachers, especially Mrs. [Erin] White, Mrs. Jillian Mitchell, and Mrs. Stacey Mitchell, for nominating and helping me both years of this process. I could not have done this without them!”

Jillian Mitchell beamed with pride at the realization that Jones would represent her area at GHP. She taught Jones in AP English Language and Composition and said the student has a passion for the written word’s majesty.

“Grayson is a rare student in that she actually writes on her own for pleasure,” Mitchell said. “She finds solace in language, and in turn, she is a master of it. Grayson is gifted not just as a writer but [as] a reader as well. She tackles literary discussion with the mind of a scholar, focusing on theme and symbolism while making connections to theory and current events. She is truly a pleasure to have in a literature class!”

The teacher nominated her student because of Jones’ talent and modesty, and Mitchell felt the experience would help her pupil build confidence because she’s an extraordinary thinker.

“I know that GHP will give her a chance to be surrounded by some of the best and brightest students in our state,” she said. “The moment Grayson realizes she is in familiar company with fellow young scholars, she will gain a sense of how wise and creative she really is. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for someone so vibrant and clever.”

Finalist Ally Moore feels honored by her GHP achievement.

“I understand that this is a big commitment, and although I was a little nervous at first, I believe this will benefit me in the future,” she said. “I have always loved animals and animal science and dream of becoming a vet. GHP is an amazing opportunity for me to pursue this passion and learn even more.”

Unlike Jones, Moore was unaware of GHP until this year.

“I was not expecting this opportunity, and my original application was very last minute, so I did not think I would make it,” she said. “I think the extracurriculars I do in agriculture helped me stand out from other applicants. I work at a vet’s office and show livestock, so that may have helped me seem set apart.”

This drive and interest led TCCHS FFA adviser David Young to nominate Moore.

“Ally is a well-rounded and extremely motivated individual who has been active in FFA since middle school,” Young said. “Her dedication to agriculture, athletics, and academics made her a perfect candidate to represent TCCHS in the Agriculture Science area of the Governor’s Honors Program. The entire ‘Ag’ department is extremely proud of Ally’s selection and knows she will represent us and TCCHS well this summer in Statesboro.”

Both students accepted their invitation and will attend this summer’s event.

“I don’t know the next time that I’ll have another chance to be around so many people who are just like me, so I had to take this chance,” Jones said. “Plus, I’ve already met one amazing friend I think I’ll keep in touch with long after the program is over.”

Moore shares Jones’ inclination to build new relationships and step outside her comfort zone with others equally enthusiastic about their content area.

“I hope to gain new friends and build connections at GHP,” she said. “I want to learn what it is like to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.”

The 2023 Governor’s Honors Program is from June 18 to July 15 at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.