Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2009-06-10

Samford University will welcome 82 of the state's top rising high school seniors when they arrive for Alabama Governor's School (AGS) Sunday, June 14. Students from 52 high schools in 26 counties will participate in the two-week honors program for academically gifted students.

Alabama House of Representatives member Paul DeMarco will address participants and parents at the opening session Sunday at 2:45 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall. DeMarco, who was elected to represent House District 46 in 2005, will speak on the topic of leadership.

Miss Alabama 2008, Amanda Tapley, who attended AGS as a high school student, will present special piano music during the opening ceremony.

During their stay at Samford, AGS participants will study major and minor areas of coursework, attend special lectures and course-related field trips and enjoy other activities. The schedule includes a Barons baseball game and an excursion to Oak Mountain State Park.

Course topics for morning and afternoon class sessions include the arts, law, health and science-related subjects, history and other areas of interest.

Participants bring stellar academic credentials from their high schools, with 16 being ranked number one in their class.

"Once again we are welcoming a group of rising high school seniors who have been academically recognized and will have the opportunity to improve leadership skills, delve into their favorite fields in a college environment, and develop peer relationships," said AGS founder Dr. Carolyn G. Satterfield.

Samford biology professor Dr. George Killer is AGS director.

AGS has offered a unique summer experience for high school students since its founding at Samford in 1987.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.