Across South Carolina,

high school students are

looking for more. More

academic challenges, more

opportunities outside the

classroom and more people

like them.

At GSSM, you get more.

“All of the students here come from different social, academic and even religious backgrounds, but they all have the same goal: to learn more.”

Maya Mason GSSM CLASS OF 2012

One of only 12 public, residential high schools in the nation dedicated to the advanced

study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), GSSM is a place where

students can develop their identities and shape their independence through a combination

of challenging academics and real world opportunities. Students come to GSSM with ideas

and leave with purpose.

The impact of a GSSM experience goes far beyond the classroom. An incubator for South

Carolina’s best and brightest, GSSM motivates, encourages and instills a strong sense of

community where lasting bonds are formed and cherished memories created.

A non-traditional public high school, GSSM prides itself on giving students more…

because it can.

If you’re looking for more, GSSM is looking for you.

“GSSM is a magical place. Words can’t describe what you experience here –

only your memories and the friends you make can tell your story.”

Joey Wilson GSSM CLASS OF 2013

“GSSM is a magical place. Words can’t describe what you experience here –

only your memories and the friends you make can tell your story.”

Joey Wilson GSSM CLASS OF 2013

“The Governor’s School gives me an opportunity to change my life and my future generation’s lives.

Through GSSM, I can become anything I want.”

Sam McCauleyGSSM CLASS OF 2013

“The Governor’s School gives me an opportunity to change my life and my future generation’s lives.

Through GSSM, I can become anything I want.”

Sam McCauleyGSSM CLASS OF 2013

“I know so much more than I ever thought possible.”

Morgan HonakerGSSM CLASS OF 2013

In addition to requiring seven

courses each semester and 26

credits to graduate, GSSM offers

exceptional programs that expose

students to a variety of skills,

experiences and passions.

// More Opportunities

GSSM is unlike any other

high school in South Carolina.

Established in 1988, the

Governor’s School is a two-

year, residential, academic

experience that combines

college courses and a college

schedule with a community of

scholars who become friends,

mentors and lifelong allies.

In addition to requiring seven

courses each semester and 26

credits to graduate, GSSM offers

exceptional programs that expose

students to a variety of skills,

experiences and passions.

“When you put talented faculty and talented students together,

great things happen.”Dr. Bill Alexander

RETIRED GSSM BIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

“When you put talented faculty and talented students together,

great things happen.”Dr. Bill Alexander

RETIRED GSSM BIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

SPRI includes an international component, the Research Experience

Scholars Program (RESP), which sends a handful of rising seniors abroad

each summer to conduct college-level research in international labs. The

School has partnerships in Germany and Korea and is developing one in

the United Kingdom.

Research projects range from “Advancement of Colon Cancer Treatment”

and “Evaluation of Spiral-Shaped Fuel Cells,” to “Analysis of South

Carolina’s Failing Industries” and “Conversion of Algae to Methane Gas.”

GSSM works to match your key area of focus with an opportunity in South

Carolina or beyond.

// More Opportunities // SPRI

At GSSM, cutting-edge research is the name of the game, not to mention

an experience that may change your life. A graduation requirement, SPRI

provides the opportunity to conduct scientific or economic research in real

world lab or business settings for six weeks during the summer between

junior and senior years.

SPRI includes an international component, the Research Experience

Scholars Program (RESP), which sends a handful of rising seniors abroad

each summer to conduct college-level research in international labs. The

School has partnerships in Germany and Korea and is developing one in

the United Kingdom.

Research projects range from “Advancement of Colon Cancer Treatment”

and “Evaluation of Spiral-Shaped Fuel Cells,” to “Analysis of South

Carolina’s Failing Industries” and “Conversion of Algae to Methane Gas.”

GSSM works to match your key area of focus with an opportunity in South

Carolina or beyond.

At GSSM, cutting-edge research is the name of the game, not to mention

an experience that may change your life. A graduation requirement, SPRI

provides the opportunity to conduct scientific or economic research in real

world lab or business settings for six weeks during the summer between

junior and senior years.

// More Opportunities // Economics & Finance Institute

Unique to GSSM, our BlueCross BlueShield Economics

& Finance Institute is designed to build a culture of

entrepreneurism and expose students to everything

from real-world business simulations to accounting

basics.

Features:

• TechTrek – January Interim opportunity to visit

start-up companies in Silicon Valley, Boston and

New York

• Team-BuildingChallengeCourse – Experiences in

risk taking, decision making and collaboration

• StartUpGSSM – Student body activity focused on

the analysis of SC’s knowledge economy

• SmartChat – Monthly speaker series featuring

CEOs, tech entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial

scientists

• SPRI/InstitutePartnership – Economic and

entrepreneurial research opportunities at SC start-

up companies

• IntrotoFinance&Accounting

• Micro&MacroEconomics

• TechVentures – Based on an engineering course

at Stanford University, a hands-on opportunity

designed to expose students to the fundamentals of

starting a business

Economics & FinanceSC GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR Science & MathematicsThe Bluecross Blueshield institute

Economics & FinanceSC GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR Science & MathematicsThe Bluecross Blueshield institute

Unique to GSSM, our BlueCross BlueShield Economics

& Finance Institute is designed to build a culture of

entrepreneurism and expose students to everything

from real-world business simulations to accounting

basics.

Features:

• TechTrek – January Interim opportunity to visit

start-up companies in Silicon Valley, Boston and

New York

• Team-BuildingChallengeCourse – Experiences in

risk taking, decision making and collaboration

• StartUpGSSM – Student body activity focused on

the analysis of SC’s knowledge economy

• SmartChat – Monthly speaker series featuring

CEOs, tech entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial

scientists

• SPRI/InstitutePartnership – Economic and

entrepreneurial research opportunities at SC start-

up companies

• IntrotoFinance&Accounting

• Micro&MacroEconomics

• TechVentures – Based on an engineering course

at Stanford University, a hands-on opportunity

designed to expose students to the fundamentals of

starting a business

// More Opportunities // January Interim

Learn something new for three weeks during our January Interim. Courses

change from year to year, but popular experiences have included ballroom

dancing, chess, music, scuba diving and wildlife photography. Interim also

offers travel opportunities to places like Europe, the Galapagos Islands,

Silicon Valley, Boston, New York City and more!

JANUARY INTERIM

Learn something new for three weeks during our January Interim. Courses

change from year to year, but popular experiences have included ballroom

dancing, chess, music, scuba diving and wildlife photography. Interim also

offers travel opportunities to places like Europe, the Galapagos Islands,

Silicon Valley, Boston, New York City and more!

JANUARY INTERIM

// More Opportunities // Accelerate

A bold, new initiative under development at GSSM, Accelerate is being

created to cultivate the next generation of creative engineers and technical

leaders by offering motivated high school students from across South

Carolina an innovative and accelerated path toward college engineering

degrees. In addition to current residential students at GSSM, Accelerate

will be offered to students in every SC high school.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Accelerated completion of first-year college engineering courses while

in 10th, 11th and 12th grades

• Year-round, virtual instruction on high school campuses resulting in

dual credit and advanced completion of both high school and college

requirements

• Curriculum oversight provided by colleges, enhanced by SC engineering

firms, taught by GSSM faculty and supported by community educators

and engineers

• Extracurricular activities designed to enhance engineering concepts

with added emphasis on leadership, public speaking, communication,

technical writing and career planning

• Mastery of foundational tools of engineering—physics, calculus and

chemistry—and membership in a virtual community of like-minded

students from across South Carolina

A bold, new initiative under development at GSSM, Accelerate is being

created to cultivate the next generation of creative engineers and technical

leaders by offering motivated high school students from across South

Carolina an innovative and accelerated path toward college engineering

degrees. In addition to current residential students at GSSM, Accelerate

will be offered to students in every SC high school.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Accelerated completion of first-year college engineering courses while

in 10th, 11th and 12th grades

• Year-round, virtual instruction on high school campuses resulting in

dual credit and advanced completion of both high school and college

requirements

• Curriculum oversight provided by colleges, enhanced by SC engineering

firms, taught by GSSM faculty and supported by community educators

and engineers

• Extracurricular activities designed to enhance engineering concepts

with added emphasis on leadership, public speaking, communication,

technical writing and career planning

• Mastery of foundational tools of engineering—physics, calculus and

chemistry—and membership in a virtual community of like-minded

students from across South Carolina

“At GSSM, you have to get to class early because

everyone wants the front seat.”Surya Veerabagu GSSM CLASS OF 2013

“At GSSM, you have to get to class early because

everyone wants the front seat.”Surya Veerabagu GSSM CLASS OF 2013

“Overall, I am being molded into a better person. I have been enlightened.”Laura CampbellGSSM CLASS OF 2013

// More Challenges

GSSM’s curriculum primarily focuses on STEM, but also offers a full array

of humanities courses such as English, history and foreign languages. With

nearly 50 specialized courses to choose from, including independent study,

students are challenged both academically and personally.

Principles of Biology I

Principles of Biology II

Vertebrate Biology/Ecology

Ornithology

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Microbiology

Introduction to Chemistry

Advanced Chemistry I

Advanced Chemistry II

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Environmental Science

Fundamentals of Physics I

Fundamentals of Physics II

Calculus-Based Physics I

Calculus-Based Physics II

Physics Independent Study

Astronomy

Modern Physics

Mentored Summer Research

Introduction to Computer Science

Computer Science II

Special Topics in Computer Science I

Special Topics in Computer Science II

Robotics

Advanced Mathematics II - Algebraic Functions and Graphs

Advanced Mathematics III - Trigonometry and Discrete Math

Analysis I – Algebraic Functions and Graphs

Analysis II – Applications of Functions

Calculus with Applications

Calculus I

Calculus II

Calculus III

Strategies for Solving Mathematical Problems I

Strategies for Solving Mathematical Problems II

Linear Algebra

Abstract Algebra

Probability and Statistics

Applied Statistics

Complex Variables

Ordinary Differential Equations

Technology Ventures

Introduction to Accounting & Finance

Global and Regional Economic Competitiveness

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics

“GSSM is an island of learning.”Dr. Lollie EykynGSSM FRENCH INSTRUCTOR

// More Challenges // Faculty

At GSSM, 100% of the faculty hold masters degrees and nearly 80%

hold PhDs.

Faculty members hail from as far away as the United Kingdom and as

nearby as Columbia, SC.

They come from a variety of top-tier universities and share a passion

for teaching subject mastery.

The student-to-teacher ratio is 10-to-1, class sizes are small and

office hours are flexible.

GSSM boasts the highest ACT and SAT scores in the state and more

National Merit Semifinalists than any other South Carolina high

school.

GSSM recently grew from a student body of 133 to 175, and the

School is well on its way to reaching full capacity of 300 over the

next 3–4 years.

At GSSM, 100% of the faculty hold masters degrees and nearly 80%

hold PhDs.

Faculty members hail from as far away as the United Kingdom and as

nearby as Columbia, SC.

They come from a variety of top-tier universities and share a passion

for teaching subject mastery.

The student-to-teacher ratio is 10-to-1, class sizes are small and

office hours are flexible.

GSSM boasts the highest ACT and SAT scores in the state and more

National Merit Semifinalists than any other South Carolina high

school.

GSSM recently grew from a student body of 133 to 175, and the

School is well on its way to reaching full capacity of 300 over the

next 3–4 years.

“Knowledge is power. It is the greatest gift that you can give young people, and I believe that GSSM is the best place to find it.”Dr. Carlanna HendrickGSSM HISTORY INSTRUCTOR

// More Challenges // Admissions

GSSM is highly selective, which means that everything you do is important, including the

level of coursework you’ve completed and your academic success. GSSM evaluates class rank,

standardized test scores, teacher evaluations and extracurricular activities. GSSM not only

considers aptitude, but also demonstrated interest in science and mathematics, potential for

leadership, expectation for success within the GSSM environment, and course availability in

current school.

Applications for admission are due February 15 of your sophomore year and can be completed

online.

We do not charge tuition at GSSM. The State of South Carolina provides operating costs and

the GSSM Foundation covers the rest. The only required fee is $2,000, which covers two-

thirds of a meal plan.

GSSM has an open-door policy and financial aid is available. No student is denied entrance

based on inability to pay the meal plan fee. If you are eager and motivated to learn, we want

you at GSSM!

GSSM is highly selective, which means that everything you do is important, including the

level of coursework you’ve completed and your academic success. GSSM evaluates class rank,

standardized test scores, teacher evaluations and extracurricular activities. GSSM not only

considers aptitude, but also demonstrated interest in science and mathematics, potential for

leadership, expectation for success within the GSSM environment, and course availability in

current school.

Applications for admission are due February 15 of your sophomore year and can be completed

online.

We do not charge tuition at GSSM. The State of South Carolina provides operating costs and

the GSSM Foundation covers the rest. The only required fee is $2,000, which covers two-

thirds of a meal plan.

GSSM has an open-door policy and financial aid is available. No student is denied entrance

based on inability to pay the meal plan fee. If you are eager and motivated to learn, we want

you at GSSM!

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of SC residency

• ACT, PSAT, PLAN or SAT score

• Official high school transcript

• Three written recommendations from your math, science and English teachers

• One completed GSSM campus visit (required before or during the application process)

GSSM PROSPECTIVE STUDENT PROFILE

• High school sophomore from any SC high school

• Average PSAT score of 110 (Math & Verbal only)

• Average GPA of 3.5 on SC Uniform Grading Scale

• Must have completed geometry, Algebra I & II, English II and one lab science (by the end of sophomore year)

• US government, economics, US history, physical education, health, a second lab science, a computer science course, a fine arts course, and one or two years of a foreign language are encouraged (by the end of sophomore year)

• Critical and innovative thinking skills

• Eagerness to learn more!

“GSSM has been important in transforming individual lives.”Robert Fletcher DIRECTOR OF THE ECONOMICS & FINANCE INSTITUTE

// More Challenges // College Prep

The School employs two full-time guidance counselors dedicated to

preparing Govies for college, graduate school and beyond. Students begin

planning for college and scholarship applications on day one, and GSSM

alumni go on to attend top-tier SC universities and colleges, as well as

notable out-of-state schools.

In 2012 alone, the 61 graduating seniors were awarded $11.4 million

in scholarships to attend schools such as Clemson, University of South

Carolina, Wofford College, Yale, Vanderbilt, Washington and Lee, and

University of Pennsylvania, among others.

The School employs two full-time guidance counselors dedicated to

preparing Govies for college, graduate school and beyond. Students begin

planning for college and scholarship applications on day one, and GSSM

alumni go on to attend top-tier SC universities and colleges, as well as

notable out-of-state schools.

In 2012 alone, the 61 graduating seniors were awarded $11.4 million

in scholarships to attend schools such as Clemson, University of South

Carolina, Wofford College, Yale, Vanderbilt, Washington and Lee, and

University of Pennsylvania, among others.

Clemson University

University of South Carolina

College of Charleston

Duke University

Furman University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Wofford College

University of North Carolina

Emory University

North Carolina State University

Vanderbilt University

Winthrop University

Davidson College

Harvard University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wake Forest University

Carnegie Mellon University

University of Georgia

University of Virginia

Tulane University

University of Florida

University of Illinois

US Naval Academy

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Auburn University

Brown University

Cornell University

Boston University

The Citadel

Presbyterian College

University of Maryland

University of Pennsylvania

Top Colleges1990–2012

BASED ON MATRICULATION OF 1373 GRADUATES

“The sense of community among the students here is incredible. People will say that they initially came to

GSSM for the academics,

but they stayed for the people.”Amy Chang

GSSM CLASS OF 2012

“The sense of community among the students here is incredible. People will say that they initially came to

GSSM for the academics,

but they stayed for the people.”Amy Chang

GSSM CLASS OF 2012

“Within two weeks, I knew people here better than I knew my friends back home.”Kyle BrennanGSSM CLASS OF 2012

// More People Like You // Student LifeThe social fabric of GSSM

is infused with a spirit of

camaraderie and aptitude.

By living and learning

together, Govies build tight-

knit friendships different

from those in traditional

high schools. The School

offers opportunities to bond,

not only in the classroom,

but on the athletic field, in

community service efforts, in

social clubs and around town

in Hartsville.

Our School offers a full range of fall, winter and spring sports to keep

students active and healthy. With most of the teams in the state’s 1A

Region, the School often brings home regional and state championships.

Athletics are open to all students, and there are currently 13 Varsity teams

including basketball, soccer, swimming, cross country, tennis, volleyball,

track and golf.

At GSSM, there is no shortage of clubs to join. From government and

politics to music and the arts, clubs are offered each year based on

student interest. Additionally, we offer a variety of leadership opportunities

including Student Ambassadors, Natural Helpers and the Student Activity

Board, among others.

Like hitting the books, at least three hours per week of community service

are required. Choices range from assisting school administration to

working in various Hartsville organizations.

“All the students are here for the same reasons, and we go through everything together.”

Tobias Holden GSSM CLASS OF 2012

// More People Like You // Student Life For two hours each weeknight, students participate in Q.U.E.S.T. (Quality,

Uninterrupted, Enforced Study Time). Following Q.U.E.S.T., students are

free to unwind until “lights out” at midnight.

On the weekends, students sleep in, study and hang out with friends. One

weekend per month, the School offers a long weekend and requires trips

home to reconnect with family.

The School boasts a growing Residence Life staff responsible for quality

educational and informational programming for the students on their

floors. Students are housed in suites with two students per room and an

adjoining bathroom. Multiple security guards are on duty 24 hours a day

and security cameras are strategically placed throughout the campus. To

uphold our unwavering commitment to student health and success, we

employ a full-time mental health counselor and a full-time nurse.

Students live, work and mature in our 230,000-square-foot campus,

which includes:

• Residence halls

• Classrooms & laboratories

• Study lounges

• Gymnasium

• State-of-the-art exercise facility

• Modern dining hall

Student life

at GSSM

establishes

and

maintains a

community

living

environment

that is

safe, fun,

comfortable,

accepting of

diversity and

conducive to

learning.

For two hours each weeknight, students participate in Q.U.E.S.T. (Quality,

Uninterrupted, Enforced Study Time). Following Q.U.E.S.T., students are

free to unwind until “lights out” at midnight.

On the weekends, students sleep in, study and hang out with friends. One

weekend per month, the School offers a long weekend and requires trips

home to reconnect with family.

The School boasts a growing Residence Life staff responsible for quality

educational and informational programming for the students on their

floors. Students are housed in suites with two students per room and an

adjoining bathroom. Multiple security guards are on duty 24 hours a day

and security cameras are strategically placed throughout the campus. To

uphold our unwavering commitment to student health and success, we

employ a full-time mental health counselor and a full-time nurse.

Students live, work and mature in our 230,000-square-foot campus,

which includes:

• Residence halls

• Classrooms & laboratories

• Study lounges

• Gymnasium

• State-of-the-art exercise facility

• Modern dining hall

// More People Like You // Alumni

Our alumni tell us every day that the friendships, connections and relationships they formed

while at GSSM made an enormous impact on their lives. GSSM is a community of scholars,

but also a community of supporters, companions and confidantes. At GSSM, your classmates

are family.

Once you join the GSSM family, you’ll gain access to post-high school networking

opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. GSSM alumni stay in touch both formally and

informally in a number of ways:

• GSSM Alumni Association

• GSSM Reconnect Dinners

• GSSM Alumni Career Day

• SmartJobs & SmartInternships – Direct job and internship postings by SC companies to

the GSSM alumni base

• SmartConnections – Direct networking opportunities with SC business leaders

• Reunions, volunteer opportunities & more“GSSM is a unique community of acceptance and support.”Dr. Alison EvansGSSM HEALTH COUNSELOR

Our alumni tell us every day that the friendships, connections and relationships they formed

while at GSSM made an enormous impact on their lives. GSSM is a community of scholars,

but also a community of supporters, companions and confidantes. At GSSM, your classmates

are family.

Once you join the GSSM family, you’ll gain access to post-high school networking

opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. GSSM alumni stay in touch both formally and

informally in a number of ways:

• GSSM Alumni Association

• GSSM Reconnect Dinners

• GSSM Alumni Career Day

• SmartJobs & SmartInternships – Direct job and internship postings by SC companies to

the GSSM alumni base

• SmartConnections – Direct networking opportunities with SC business leaders

• Reunions, volunteer opportunities & more

“GSSM not only provides great opportunities for high-achieving students, it has the potential to be a positive influence on the state of South Carolina as a whole.”Sandy NealGSSM CLASS OF 2012

// More People Like You // Alumni

During the past two decades, nearly 1,400 students have graduated

from GSSM, creating a unique, intellectual network of alumni who have

successfully branded themselves as innovators and leaders across South

Carolina and beyond.

More than 52 percent of GSSM alumni live and work in the Palmetto State

as doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Nearly 80 percent of GSSM alumni remain in STEM fields, with a number

of them going on to work for companies such as Google, GE, Shell Oil,

Microsoft, Intel, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America.

We have alumni working in state-of-the-art R&D labs, innovative start-up

companies and even in Hollywood!

BEAUFORTJASPER

COLLETON

HAMPTON

CHARLESTON

ALLENDALE

BARNWELLBAMBERG

ORANGEBURG

DORCHESTER

BERKELEY

CALHOUN

WILLIAMSBURG

GEORGETOWN

CLARENDON

HORRY

MARION

FLORENCE

SUMTER

DARLINGTON DILLON

MARLBORO

CHESTERFIELD

SALUDAMcCORMICK

AIKEN

EDGEFIELD

KERSHAW

RICHLANDLEXINGTON

NEWBERRY

FAIRFIELD

LANCASTERCHESTER

YORK

LAURENS

GREENWOODABBEVILLE

CHEROKEE

SPARTANBURG

GREENVILLE

ANDERSON

PICKENS

OCONEE

UNION

LEE

0

10

175

1373

STUDENTSALUMNI

1

19

3

46

8

40

0

16

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1

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5

29

13

83

4

12

2

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During the past two decades, nearly 1,400 students have graduated

from GSSM, creating a unique, intellectual network of alumni who have

successfully branded themselves as innovators and leaders across South

Carolina and beyond.

More than 52 percent of GSSM alumni live and work in the Palmetto State

as doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Nearly 80 percent of GSSM alumni remain in STEM fields, with a number

of them going on to work for companies such as Google, GE, Shell Oil,

Microsoft, Intel, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America.

We have alumni working in state-of-the-art R&D labs, innovative start-up

companies and even in Hollywood!

Strong Alumni Concentration in South Carolina and key places in the United States

BEAUFORTJASPER

COLLETON

HAMPTON

CHARLESTON

ALLENDALE

BARNWELLBAMBERG

ORANGEBURG

DORCHESTER

BERKELEY

CALHOUN

WILLIAMSBURG

GEORGETOWN

CLARENDON

HORRY

MARION

FLORENCE

SUMTER

DARLINGTON DILLON

MARLBORO

CHESTERFIELD

SALUDAMcCORMICK

AIKEN

EDGEFIELD

KERSHAW

RICHLANDLEXINGTON

NEWBERRY

FAIRFIELD

LANCASTERCHESTER

YORK

LAURENS

GREENWOODABBEVILLE

CHEROKEE

SPARTANBURG

GREENVILLE

ANDERSON

PICKENS

OCONEE

UNION

LEE

0

10

175

1373

STUDENTSALUMNI

1

19

3

46

8

40

0

16

7

58

1

9

0

9

5

29

13

83

4

12

2

16

26

77

0

4

0

4

1 19

5

20

3 31

10

87

14

87

0

2

5

63

0

4

1

46

1

16

0

8

0

4

0

5 2

8

1

5

853

3

600

3

17

60

10

42

1

225

31

2

53

6

88

4 21

4 44

0

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0

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2

5

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1

0

4

Current Students and Alumni from across South Carolina

// More People Like You // Alumni

Danny Dorsel GSSM CLASS OF 1990

COLLEGE University of South Carolina, mechanical engineering

GRADUATE SCHOOL Virginia Tech, environmental engineering; Notre Dame, educational administration

CURRENT OCCUPATION VP of Academic Affairs, GSSM, Hartsville, SC

“The Governor’s School is all about possibilities. As a 10th grader, I saw GSSM as a place to learn from outstanding faculty and be around the top students in the state. As a senior at GSSM, I found that my possibilities for college and scholarships were vast. Now as a seasoned professional with experience in engineering, business and education, GSSM has opened another possibility to me - the opportunity to be the School’s Vice-President of Academic Affairs. I now have the chance to go to the

“other side” and work alongside the outstanding faculty and for the top students in the state. The possibility of returning home and becoming part of the GSSM team was just what I had been waiting for!”

Jamie Doornbos GSSM CLASS OF 1990

COLLEGE Stanford University software engineering and mathematics

CURRENT OCCUPATION Engineer, Three Rings Design San Francisco, CA

“While attending GSSM, I developed immensely and nurtured my passion for science and math. With a lot of expert help from faculty, I applied to colleges and took advantage of the opportunity to go to Stanford University in California. It was like a dream come true! A couple of months after college graduation, I started work for a growing video game company, Maxis, which was bought by EA six years later. During this time, the computer game The Sims hit the shelves, with me as lead programmer.

The first video game I ever wrote was in the GSSM computer lab on an early Mac. Thanks to the collegiate-level teaching provided by the school, my talents flourished. Having free access to such resources (a computer LAB in 1988!) allowed me to devote many hours developing my computer skills.”

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONSC GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS

Kemper TalleyGSSM CLASS OF 2007

COLLEGE Clemson University, physics

GRADUATE SCHOOL University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN currently pursuing a Ph.D. in energy science engineering, with a focus in nuclear physics

“One thing that I will never forget about my experience at GSSM is how I chose a career in physics. I took an introductory physics class during my first year and, after choosing not to study as hard as my classmates, earned a 63 on my first test! That moment certainly gave me determination to do better. I went on to make a B in that class, but then pursued the subject further in my senior year through a modern physics class and an independent study. I earned A’s in both! After graduation, I chose to major in physics at Clemson and wound up graduating at the top of my class. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in energy science engineering with a focus in nuclear physics at Oak Ridge National Lab and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in the Bredesen Center with a National Science Foundation fellowship. Without my experiences at GSSM, I know I would not be in the position I am in today.”

“GSSM not only guided my career, it taught me

that pursuing hobbies and activities that spark my

interest is just as important as studying hard! I am

an active swing dancer in the disciplines of Lindy

Hop, Balboa and Blues.”

Kemper Talley

“It’s cool to be smart here.”Ike Coleman GSSM ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR

// And More // Hartsville

What could possibly make the GSSM community even more appealing?Hartsville, of course!

This small, welcoming city was the School’s birthplace in 1988, when the late Governor

Carroll Campbell, Jr., and Charles W. Coker, former president of Sonoco Products Company,

opened its doors on the Coker College campus. The School moved to its own campus in

2003, right down the street from Coker College, thanks to a smart investment from the

SC General Assembly.

Nestled in the middle of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, Hartsville is just 30 minutes

from the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95. A close drive to Florence, Columbia and

Charlotte, this quaint setting has a fruitful history and friendly residents. It boasts several

local businesses and restaurants that are popular walking destinations for Govies!

What could possibly make the GSSM community even more appealing?Hartsville, of course!

This small, welcoming city was the School’s birthplace in 1988, when the late Governor

Carroll Campbell, Jr., and Charles W. Coker, former president of Sonoco Products Company,

opened its doors on the Coker College campus. The School moved to its own campus in

2003, right down the street from Coker College, thanks to a smart investment from the

SC General Assembly.

Nestled in the middle of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, Hartsville is just 30 minutes

from the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95. A close drive to Florence, Columbia and

Charlotte, this quaint setting has a fruitful history and friendly residents. It boasts several

local businesses and restaurants that are popular walking destinations for Govies!

SCHEDULE A VISIT 843.383.3944MAKE AN INVESTMENT 803.252.9152

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