The North Carolina Governor’s School has selected 23 students from Buncombe County Schools to be part of its class of 2025, marking an exciting milestone for both the district and the students chosen. This prestigious summer residential program for gifted and talented students offers a unique opportunity to engage in specialized academic and arts courses. The program, held for a month each summer, allows students to dive deep into their areas of interest while fostering creativity and intellectual growth.
Each year, students are nominated by their schools and selected through a highly competitive process. The program not only celebrates academic achievement but also places a strong emphasis on artistic expression. For the class of 2025, Buncombe County Schools saw a significant increase in the number of arts applicants and selections compared to previous years. A total of 12 students were chosen for the arts portion of the program, almost doubling the number selected in 2024. In total, 23 students from the district earned a spot, surpassing last year’s selection of 21.
"I am so proud of these students and their hard work," said Stephanie Knox, the AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) and Advanced Learning Lead Specialist for Buncombe County Schools. "The North Carolina Governor’s School is an incredible opportunity, and it’s wonderful to see our students thrive in such a prestigious environment."
The Governor’s School is a highlight for many students, offering them the chance to study alongside peers from across the state, explore new fields of knowledge, and expand their academic and artistic talents. With the growing emphasis on arts education in this year's selections, the Governor’s School has become an even more important platform for nurturing creative minds in Buncombe County.
As the class of 2025 prepares for this summer experience, the students and their families can look forward to a transformative educational journey, one that will help shape their academic paths and inspire future success.
Congratulations to the BCS Students attending North Carolina Governor’s School this year:
A.C. Reynolds High School
Eleanor Bamberger (Choral Music - Alto 2)
Mackenzie Wise (Choral Music - Soprano 1)
Cole Frellick (Instrumental Music - French Horn)
Peter MacQueen (Mathematics)
Katelynn Ciolek (Natural Science)
Julia Lang (Social Science)
Astoria Lee (Social Science)
Charles D. Owen High School
Elizabeth Martin (Choral Music - Alto 2)
Clyde A. Erwin High School
Nathalia Salcedo (English)
Enka High School
Emma Lewellin (Visual Art)
Charles Whittemore (Mathematics)
Martin L, Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy
Michael Schruckmayr (Spanish)
Tav Murphy (Spanish)
Laney White (Natural Science)
Laura Mayfield (English)
North Buncombe High School
Allie Shook (Instrumental Music - Trumpet)
T.C. Roberson High School
Aaron Hruska (Choral Music -Tenor 1)
Rachel Macaluso (Choral Music - Alto 2)
Alonica Arellano-Scott (Instrumental Music - Double Bass)
Ella Kate Poole (Instrumental Music - Violin)
Sophia Stertz (Instrumental Music - Clarinet)
Sophia Rameriez Perez (English)