Students ready to become part of GSSM life

By Ardie Arvidson

Published: August 22, 2008

Last week juniors moved into the dorms at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics for what will be a new experience for these high school students. Most, if not all, will be attending school away from home for the first time.

Most of the students interviewed were excited about the idea of a new school, new challenges and living away from home.

Parents on the other hand had mixed reactions. Larry Lee of Spartanburg came with his son, incoming junior Matthew Lee, to move in last week. He said he was excited for his son but that it was hard for his mother to let go.Lee said his son was looking forward to it and that it would be a great opportunity for him.

Grace Bradford said it felt good to be chosen to attend the Governor’s School. She said she was excited about the challenge and meeting all the new people.
Her mother said it was her daughter’s decision to apply. She wanted the challenge. Her daughter was already taking Honors AP courses at Dorman High School in Spartanburg. Mrs. Bradford said her daughter is a well-rounded individual. She also plays sports and musical instruments
. Murray Brockman, president of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, told the Kiwanis Club last week that the school is ready for growth.
The school is a beacon for excellence, he said, and started as a unique public/private partnership.

Currently the school has 128 students, but with the planned expansion, which is getting ready to take place, the school will be able to increase enrollment to 300, offering an opportunity for more students to benefit from this stellar learning experience.

The funding has been authorized and the contractors pre-bid meeting took place last Thursday. A new academic wing and a student activities center will be added.
Brockman said while they have a “ton of fun” at the school, it represents some of the brightest students in the state. They average 1,378 on the SAT, 98 percent are accepted to the schools of their choice and more than 10 million dollars in scholarships were awarded to last year’s graduates.
The school, as well as its students, is ready for the challenges ahead for the 2008-2009 school year.