Two Alcovy High School students have been selected as finalists and will represent the Newton County School System in the prestigious Governor's Honors Program - a four-week summer instructional program at Valdosta State University. This year's program is scheduled for June 24 through July 21.

The school district's two finalists - Jeffrey Jones and Brandie Weathersby - are each from Alcovy High School. Jones plans on majoring in Social Studies while Weathersby will major in Biology.

"I've always found history an inspiration," said Jones. "It's always a driving force-always what's inspired me to learn, so it was natural to choose social studies in GHP."

Jones said he first tried out for the Governor's Honors last year as a sophomore and was thrilled when he made it to the state level and was chosen as an alternate.

"It inspired me to develop my knowledge even more," said Jones. "Knowing that I'm going to Governor's Honors is great because I like the idea of being enrolled in a university because I will really be prepared for those kinds of classes since I want to major in history in college."

Jones added that he is currently interested in attending either the University of Georgia or Emory and his long-term goal is to get a doctorate and teach history at a university.

"Governor's Honors will give me the opportunity to see history professors in action and start to get an idea of what it's like," said Jones.

In addition to his studies, Jones is an active participant in the school's band, mock-trial team and prom committee.

While he is busy studying history, Brandie Weathersby will be participating in what she hopes are some "cool experiments" in biology at Governor's Honors.

"I'm taking AP biology now and that's what I plan on majoring in when I go to college," said Weathersby. "I've always been fascinated in human anatomy in particular and biology is the closest you can get to that at Governor's Honors so that's what I chose."

Weathersby chose to pursue a slot at GHP to help her not only prepare for college but also the college application process.

"GHP really gives you an edge as far as the college application process," said Weathersby. "I also want the experience of being there by myself taking classes for four weeks. I like the fact that you're going to be with others who love the subjects as much as you because that makes for a more productive environment."

Weathersby added that she also liked the idea of following somewhat in her mother's footsteps.

"My mom went to Valdosta State so it's cool to go where she was and step into her shoes," said Weathersby, who currently has her sights on three colleges of choice - Emory, University of Georgia, and University of Florida. "I want to go to medical school and be a neurosurgeon and that takes lots of schooling."