Nine Newton County high school students have been named as Governor’s Honors finalists, a feat not easily accomplished.

The program is open to rising juniors and seniors, and the students are screened through a rigorous qualification process. They must be nominated by their teachers in a particular area of study which matches their abilities, aptitudes and interests. They must also submit endorsements and transcripts of their grades. The students must then face a statewide screening interview or audition. The finalists are then invited to participate in a six-week instructional program this summer at Valdosta State University.

Alcovy High School has two students named, Jonathan Betancourt in mathematics and Zach Elliott in social studies.

"All of us at Alcovy High School are very proud of Jonathan and Zach as well as the students from Eastside and Newton High School," said AHS principal Dave Easterday. "Once again hard work, determination and parental support prove to be the keys to success."

At Eastside High School, five students have been named as finalists: Evanne Davis in communicative arts, Alayah Glenn, Ralston Medouze and Gurinder Sunner in Latin and Hillary Hardison in visual arts.

"As always, the administration and faculty of Eastside High School is extremely proud of the academic efforts of our students," said Principal Dr. Robert Daria. "The Governor’s Honors Program is undoubtedly an achievement that is only reached by a select few and takes incredible amounts of time and dedication in meeting that goal. The endeavor each will undertake is honorable and appreciated by the EHS family."

Newton High School students who were named are Renee Horne in communicative arts and Brooke Wilson in social studies.

"We are so proud of these students and their accomplishments," said Dr. Kathy Reese, director of high school curriculum. "The Governor’s Honors program becomes more competitive each year. Our students have once again met the challenges and excelled in their areas of giftedness. We thank the teachers of these students as well as their parents for their support."

Finalists' major instructional areas include agriscience/biotechnology, agriscience/environmental science, English (communications arts), foreign languages (French, German, Latin, Spanish), mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, physics), social studies, visual art, theatre, music, dance, design, technology and executive management. There is also support provided in computers, counseling, library/media and physical fitness.