The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its students in the 2026 Governor’s Honors Program (GHP). The Georgia Governor's Honors Program is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and that is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

Each year, thousands of nominations are received from each of the twelve economic development regions in Georgia. Finalists progress through several rounds of intensive competition, including interviews and performances, to be named as finalists for the 2026 Governor's Honors Program.

A total of 59 students across nine SCCPSS high schools were nominated this year, representing 19 areas of concentration, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent across the district. From this highly competitive pool, 22 students advanced to the semifinalist level, representing six high schools and 15 concentration areas. These students demonstrated exceptional academic and artistic promise through a rigorous state-level selection process.

Ultimately, 10 students were selected as GHP Finalists, representing three high schools and eight areas of concentration.

The 2026 SCCPSS GHP Finalists are:

Greer Oliversmith – Savannah Arts Academy – Music: Voice (Alto)

Garrett Shinall – Savannah Arts Academy – Music: Strings (String Bass)

Frances Tedder – Savannah Arts Academy – Social Studies

Walter Yang – Savannah Arts Academy – Science: Physics

Madilynn Hagemes – Savannah Arts Academy – Engineering: Civil

Maggie Roberts – Savannah Arts Academy – Dance

Julie Chiu – Savannah Arts Academy – Visual Arts

Maya Lilja-Vazquez – Savannah Arts Academy – Science: Biology/Environmental Science

Brooklyn Baldwin Ramos – Jenkins High School – Social Studies 

Ana Santos – Woodville-Tompkins High School – Social Studies

In addition, two students were named alternates, further highlighting the strength of SCCPSS students among top applicants statewide:

Ziyue Chen – Savannah Arts Academy – Music: Woodwind (Clarinet)

Xaiver Neal – Savannah Early College – Computer Science

Participation in the Governor’s Honors Program is one of the highest honors for high school students in Georgia. SCCPSS students continue to exemplify excellence, creativity, and dedication, and the district is incredibly proud of all nominees, semifinalists, finalists, and alternates for their outstanding representation.

We would also like to extend sincere appreciation to the administrators, teachers, counselors, and staff who supported students throughout every stage of the process - from nomination to finalist selection. Their guidance, encouragement, and commitment to student success play a critical role in these achievements.

The 2026 Governor's Honors Program is scheduled to be held June 14 to July 11 at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.