RELEASED: July 25, 2002

DANVILLE, KY-The first few days attending the Governor's Scholars Program at Centre College, Todd Allen was homesick for his native Brandenburg, Ky., and not really sure what to expect.

But Allen soon settled in for an experience he won't soon forget.

"Things went great," he said. "I've met some really great people—people I'll stay in contact with for the rest of my life."

The five-week Governor's Scholars Program, in its 20th year, concludes at Centre on Saturday as 343 students head home for the rest of the summer. The Kentucky high school students, rising seniors honored by selection for the program, have studied a variety of topics such as government, foreign languages, the arts, history and sciences. They select both a major and minor field of study.

"I've had a chance to learn a lot of new things," Allen said. "And I've learned a lot about different cultures."

Allen's minor class was in African studies. Aside from learning about the culture, the class practiced African dances and made African clothing and jewelry.

"It was a really fun class," Allen said. "Getting to work on a lot of interesting projects, the class bonded well."

Tyler Ratliff, a student at Russell High School from Flatwoods, also touted Centre's world-wide focus. He said his favorite class was Cultural Anthropology, taught by Centre professor Phyllis Passariello.

Alex Smiley, a student at Russell from Ashland, said the program has numerous benefits.

"I think it really prepares you for college," she said. "For the first time, you're responsible for yourself. You decide when you eat, when you sleep, when you study.

"I enjoyed all of our field trips. We were able to go to places that you don't get to go in a normal high school classroom environment. The teachers are very good, and this environment puts you in a situation where you think outside the box."

Clarence Wyatt, Pottinger Associate Professor of History and special assistant to the president at Centre, served as the GSP campus director. The program began in 1983. Since that time the program has grown to nearly 1,000 students each summer on the GSP campuses.

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