Governor’s School For The Arts Held at WLSC

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WEST LIBERTY - Most schools are closed for the summer, but nearly 100 Mountain State students are continuing their studies at an entirely different kind of school this month.

Students from across West Virginia are taking part in the West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts at West Liberty State College. These outstanding students are participating in an intensive three-week, residential program that provides individual and in-depth group instruction in the arts. The school will be held on the campus of WLSC for the next three years.

The program is made possible through a $160,000 state grant provided by the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.

Matthew Inkster, assistant chairman of the department of arts and communications at West Liberty, said the students who attend GSA are the "best of the best."

"These are the most interested, energetic, talented young artists, and they are a pleasure to work with," Inkster said. "For them this is different entirely from school. They are surrounded by people with the same interests."

Students will spend about four hours each day in their major discipline focusing on theater, creative writing, dance, vocal music, instrumental music, art and digital media. Skilled master teachers will work with students who demonstrate potential.

Sherry Keffer, director of the West Virginia Governor's Schools, splits her time between both GSA and the West Virginia Governor's Honors Academy, which is taking place at Bethany College during the same timeframe.

Keffer said students who participate in West Virginia Governor's Schools have told her it's the "most awesome experience" of their lives.

The Governor's Schools are a collection of state-run programs designed to provide artistic and academic opportunities for talented students throughout the state. All applicants accepted into the program must live and attend school in West Virginia. Students who attend public and private schools, as well as those who are home-schooled, are eligible.

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wonderwhy
07-01-08 8:10 AM »Report Abuse	Great Program! good luck to all the participants!

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