Six Newton County School System high school students plan to spend part of their summer jump-starting their college learning after being selected to participate in the 2014 Governor’s Honors Program.

Finalists will attend the four-week instructional program, targeted to Georgia’s gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors, at Valdosta State University.

“The competition to be selected as a Governor’s Honors Program finalist is rigorous,” said NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “We are elated to have six exceptional district representatives.”

Nominees were required to provide endorsements and grade transcripts. They also completed a statewide screening interview or audition, depending on their intended college major.

Teachers submitted nominations for a specific instructional area according to each student’s abilities, strengths and interests. The program provides instruction in agriscience and biotechnology, agriscience and environmental science, English (communications arts), foreign languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish), mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies, visual arts, theater, music, dance, design, technology and executive management.

Four support areas — computers, counseling, library and media and physical fitness — are also provided.

“They will be able to study their disciplines more closely with other finalists from around the state,” Fuhrey said.

The finalists and their intended majors are: Anna Davis, Eastside High, Latin; Matthew Dean, Eastside High, music voice; Kaylah Kennedy, Eastside High, Latin; Ian Cole, Newton High, visual arts; Hezekiah Rogers, Newton High, music; Brittany Webb, Newton High, math.

Newton High School students Ann Marie Nyokoro and Craig Thomas were selected as alternates.