Photos courtesy of Sara Harris Photography except where otherwise noted.
Every year, thousands of outstanding Virginia high school students are accepted to one of 19 Governor’s Schools across the state. With a focus on non-traditional teaching methods like hands-on experiences or small group instruction, they offer rich learning opportunities beyond the regular curriculum. And with programs that focus on the arts, mathematics, science and technology; or government and international studies, gifted students have many opportunities to explore an area of interest and ability.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Virginia’s Governor’s School Program began in 1973 with three summer residential programs for 400 gifted students from across the Commonwealth. Since its start, the program has expanded to more than 40 sites, serving 7,500 students throughout Virginia.
Dr. Kevin Goff and sophomores study shallow fish populations at Belle Isle State Park.
What sets the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School (CBGS) apart from other Governor’s School programs is a focus on Marine and Environmental Sciences. This offers select high-school students from the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula an enrichment program that explores how math, science, technology, and research can be used to address environmental issues affecting our region.
CBGS launched in the fall of 1998 with 80 students from 12 school divisions (Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King George, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties) at two locations on the Glenns and Warsaw campuses of Rappahannock Community College (RCC).
Since then, CBGS has added two school divisions — Colonial Beach and New Kent joined in 2006 and 2010 respectively; and a third site in Bowling Green to lessen travel times for students in Caroline, King George, and King William counties. On average, CBGS now serves 250 students each academic year.
TO INSPIRING, ENRICHED CURRICULUM
Students sample fish from the Rappahannock River.
The mission of the CBGS is twofold: to provide “a community of learners the opportunity to explore connections among the environment, math, science, and technology” and to develop “leaders who possess the research and technical skills, global perspective, and vision needed to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society.”
And they’re doing just that. As a designated academic year program (there are Governor’s Schools with summer-only programs), sophomores, juniors and seniors spend their mornings with CBGS and return to their high-schools to complete their regular curriculum in the afternoons. In addition to coursework in lab sciences, marine science, and math, students participate in immersive field studies each year to provide real-world context to their classroom learning. Sophomores follow the journey water takes as it travels from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Chesapeake Bay; juniors study fresh and salt water tidal marshes of the Eastern Shore; and seniors explore barrier islands with a trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It is this approach to learning that is vital to the program.
Chemistry Instructor Gary Long leads a "Messy Chemistry" session.
“Our emphasis on authentic outdoor education in marine and environmental science and teaching scientific research methodology are why our students, and ultimately the school, are successful. It’s what sets us apart,” said Dr. Terri Perkins, Director of CBGS.
These in-depth investigations provide a solid foundation for students to complete a two-year independent research project during their senior year. It all culminates with the annual Senior Research Symposium, held at Virginia Commonwealth University. Seniors present their research projects, which are judged by members of the scientific community from area universities. Select students may also be invited to present at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science Symposium.
In addition to the school’s curriculum, there are exciting and challenging academic opportunities for students to apply their learning. Here are just a couple:
Blue Crab Bowl
Designed to test student’s knowledge of the marine sciences, this regional academic tournament, part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, is co-hosted by Old Dominion University and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. This is a great opportunity for CBGS students to receive regional and national recognition for their hard work.
Physics Instructor Greg Dorsey discusses seniors' self-propelled vehicle challenge. Courtesy of CBGS.
MATE ROV
(Marine Advanced Technology Education Remote Operated Vehicle) Competition
An underwater robotics competition where students design, present, demonstrate, and develop a marketing plan for their vehicles.
“Competitions like this are important, especially for our region, because there aren’t many other opportunities for students interested in mechanical or electrical engineering to get this kind of experience,” said Greg Dorsey physics teacher and robotics mentor.
For the second year in a row, the team mentored by Dorsey and Julia Jones, mathematics teacher and marketing mentor, has won Best Overall and Best Product Demonstration in its division. This year the team placed first in its division, sweeping every category with the addition of Best Marketing Display, Best Engineering Presentation, and Most Creative Design. Dorsey believes it is the diversity in the team’s skills — writing, presenting, engineering, electronics — that has been the key to its success.
Dr. Kevin Goff explains the importance of monitoring fish in the Rappahannock River.
AND IMPACTFUL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Additionally, students are encouraged to serve their communities through service projects that may or may not be environmentally focused. Many students choose to take on that challenge. Among the activities: performing educational outreach in area elementary and middle schools; volunteering at the Urbanna Oyster Festival Marine Science Day; and helping provide water quality testing at Cat Point Creek, Dragon Run, and Maracossic Creek. The Class of 2018 has provided nearly 4,600 community service hours, over half of which are environmentally related.
NOTABLE CBGS ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY THE NUMBERS
Students listen to a lecture at RCC's chemistry lab. Courtesy of CBGS.
1: Rank in the Governor’s Classroom Conservation Challenge. The winning project was developing and constructing a living shoreline and restoration oyster reef in Jamison Cove at the Urbanna Town Marina.
3: Number of years CBGS has been named a Top School by Virginia Living Magazine for its innovative programs and curriculum.
11: Number of years that CBGS has been recognized for its efforts in supporting environmental conservation and stewardship by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
23: Number of students invited to present their research at the 77th Annual Junior Academy of Science Symposium.
$1.7 million: Amount of college scholarships and grants awarded to the Class of 2018.
CELEBRATING THE PAST AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
While there are many accomplishments and people to celebrate over the course of 20 years, the CBGS Education Foundation is also looking to the future. Since state funding is not enough, the Foundation contributes to needs such as research and field equipment, teaching supplies, and expenses for attending competitions like the Blue Crab Bowl or MATE ROV.
Juniors investigate another "Messy Chemistry" station.
Grayson Johnson, President of the CBGS Education Foundation and Class of 2012, says these programs “provide valuable hands-on experience in addition to working with top students in the area.” Since graduating, Johnson has gone on to earn a BS in chemistry and is working toward his PhD, both at the University of Virginia.
Not that every student who attends the program ends up in science, and that’s okay, Johnson says. Even if students find they no longer want to pursue science, the rigorous nature of the program better prepares students for college.
Furthering these exceptional outcomes is part of the CBGS Education Foundation’s capital campaign, with the goal of raising $20,000 for 2018. This funding will provide scholarships to ensure student access to educational opportunities regardless of ability to pay; and allow access to equipment that enhances the educational experience but may not be covered by state funds.
The Foundation is sponsoring the CBGS 20th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser, November 10, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The ticketed fundraiser will be held at the Deltaville Maritime Museum and Holly Point Nature Park. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and a museum steeped in the maritime history of the region, it’s the perfect setting to reflect on 20 years of environmental engagement and progress.
Juniors get geared up for kayaking orientation.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase the CBGS accomplishments and resulting impact on our community,” said Elizabeth Johnson, a director on the Board of CBGS Education Foundation. Both of her sons, Grayson and Cullen, graduated from CBGS. Since then, she has been one of its biggest champions.
“One of my greatest joys is to encourage young people in our community to apply to the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School because I know if they are accepted, the education they receive will open many doors for a bright and productive future,” she added.
For tickets to the fundraising event and/or to contribute your tax-deductible donation to the CBGS Education Foundation, contact Elizabeth Johnson at (804) 240-5909 or visit: CBGSEducationFoundation.org.