Student Testimonials

What was your favorite part of AGS?

I met so many people who are just a passionate about furthering their education. AGS helped me to decide on a career path because when I signed up I was having trouble deciding but Governor's school helped me find more specific fields that appealed to my interests and passions.-Rachel Miller, West Fork, '21
Area 1 classes and 410s & 610s - Cindy Ramos, Lake Hamilton High School, '21
My favorite part of AGS was meeting all of the different people from around Arkansas, and making life-long friends. - Kerrigan Loyer, Heritage High School, '21
My favorite part of Arkansas Governor’s School was being able to be a part of a new community, full of individuals that cared about their future. I was able to learn and grow so much as a person and a singer. - Hannah Green, Siloam Springs High School, '21
Making loads of new friends, opening my mind to new ideas and povs, and the fun activities we had the chance to attend - Kiersten Tallent, Star City High School, '21
I loved getting the feel of a college experience and interacting with new people. - Lauren Gregory, Jacksonville High School, '21
That’s a difficult question to answer. I loved many parts of the program. I was fortunate to have the ability to take classes of subjects I enjoy with access to several tools and teachers to improve upon them. I’ve made many friends that I still talk to and hang out with daily. I especially enjoyed the access to mature discussions about morality and philosophy. - Anette Razo Blanco, Bryant High School, '22
My favorite part of AGS was the socials. Open mic night, Casa Blanca, game night, and the Saturday dances were so much fun. At the socials, I was around so many people my own age, from so many backgrounds, and I was HAVING FUN!!! At home, I don't feel comfortable making new friends, but at AGS socials, I did it with no trouble at all. - Tiffanie Hicks, Clinton High School, '22
My favorite part of AGS was being in an environment full of support and opportunity. Every student and faculty member was there to support one another above all else, and it gave me exactly what I needed to thrive. - Allison Humphries, Calico Rock High School, '22
The learning environment that allows you to be wrong and makes it okay to not know created a comfortable space for great lectures, discussion, and debates. The socials on the weekends balanced out our learning and was a great way to meet other AGS students! - Alexandra Flores-Hernandez, LISA Academy North High School, '22
The people. The people were amazing. I got to meet so many cool, intelligent, wonderful people and become such close friends with them. - Hallie Rackley, Van Buren High School, '22
I really enjoyed the experience on campus, getting to have a little bit of freedom. I also really loved getting to focus on my career interest (English Language Arts). - Kenzie West, Dewitt High School, '22
I loved meeting new people!! I go to a really small school and have never had to be in a situation where I didn’t know people. Learning how to make new friends was one of my favorite things EVER!! - Hannah Pierce, Bay High School, '22
My favorite part of AGS was the social experience. I think when people hear the phrase "Governor School", they assume the program is solely about classes and curriculum. However, it is genuinely so much more. AGS offers so many social experiences, allowing you to create friends that will last you far past graduation. - Brooklynn Prince, Bryant High School, '22
Getting to meet so many great people and building those relationships. - Emily Phifer, Lisa Academy North, '22
Meeting people from all over the state and making friendships that will last a lifetime. For example one of our AGS friends is driving 4 hours up to see us this weekend and we are so excited to see her. Formalizing so many friendships at ags was incredible and going was one of the best decisions I could have made. - Michael Anderson, Bentonville High School, '22
I loved almost every part of it. The people, classes, and extra activities were amazing. My favorite part of all the good aspects, though, was the classes. Being in Social Science, I got to learn so many things I’m passionate about and leard so many different viewpoints. - Kiya Britt, Bryant High School, '22
My favorite part of Arkansas Governors School was the people. I made so many amazing friends that I am still visiting and in touch with and I wouldn’t have met them without AGS. - Sydney Stewart, Conway High School, '22
My favorite part of AGS was the people, both the attendees and the facilitators. Arkansas Governor's School's ability to attract the brightest minds and educators from the state truly makes it a transformative and once-in-a-lifetime experience. - Aniket Gupta, Bentonville High School, '22
Dorm life was definitely my favorite part because I got to meet so many like minded kids that I never would have before. - Leah Nerenberg, Fayetteville High, '22

What is something you learned while at AGS?

How to not make an enemy of someone during a debate and how to view different perspectives. - Jakobi Oliver, Maumelle, '21
I learned not to be afraid to meet new people. Even if you disagree with someone’s viewpoints, it doesn’t mean you can’t become friends and learn a lot from them. Arkansas Governor’s School allowed for me to look at things in other peoples perspectives. - Hannah Green, Siloam Springs High School, '21
I learned that time and gravity are intertwined, the closer something is to a gravitational force, the slower the time for that object moves. For example, time is passing right now, but the time passing through your feet is slower than the time passing through your head. I also learned how to listen to other people and respect their opinions, and how to disagree respectfully. - Kiersten Tallent, Star City High School, '21
I learned how to be more independent when it came to having to wake myself up and get to class on time. I also learned unity. I never thought my community would get as close as we did. - Keylen Botley, eStem High School, '21
I learned how to socialize and interact with others better. I also learned that it’s okay to have a different opinion from others or vice versa, but we should try to understand where others come from and be respectful. - Lauren Gregory, Jacksonville High School, '21
The importance of understanding someone’s point of view and how that can affect their decisions and opinions. - Maria Waite, Bryant High School, '21
I learned about my-self, how to be a leader, and about subjects I’m actually interested in - Zoe Henson, Russellville High School, '22
How to welcome different ideas and opinions - Olivia Davis, Conway High School, '22
I definitely learned more about myself and other minorities - Natalie Shunk, Lakeside High School, '22
Ar AGS, I learned many things, but the thing that stood out the most to me was that there were a LOT of people out there who don't have the same beliefs as me. Being in a small, rural town shields you from most other cultures, but going to AGS really opened my eyes to the world outside my hometown. - Tiffanie Hicks, Clinton High School, '22
I learned that it’s okay to not be the smartest person in the room and it’s okay to have questions! There are always going to be scenarios where you aren’t the most knowledgeable person in the room, but that doesn’t make you any less smart! - Hannah Pierce, Bay High School, '22
It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone. In fact, it’s a freeing experience. AGS students are so smart, and we tend to have one incredibly thought-out plan for our lives. But we can’t always live in the future. AGS taught me that it’s okay to live in the present, to experience new things, and to make memories. THAT is what gets you where you want to go in life. - Hallie Rackley, Van Buren High School, '22
I am more capable than I believed before. - Jo Crites, Alma High School, '22
Something I learned in my time at AGS was that I can have a lot of fun if put myself out there, willing to participate in everything, and being open to new experiences. - Harmony Peterson, Mena High School, '22
During AGS, I learned that you should try new experiences that are outside your comfort zone. Before AGS, I never really took time to speak to people outside of my school or even outside of my friend circle. After the experience, though, I enjoy speaking with strangers and new faces! - Brooklynn Prince, Bryant High School, '22
From an academic standpoint, there are too many answers to this question. Between Area classes, 410s, and 610s, there's too much I learned to pick just one. From a personal standpoint, though, AGS helped me understand that I *can* make a difference and that I have untapped potential waiting to be explored. Because of AGS, I know not to hold myself back. - Allison Humphries, Calico Rock High School, '22
Dorm Life isn’t that bad, dorm life was my biggest fear going into to ags and it turned out dorm life was so much fun. I met an incredible room mate and incredible group in my hall and many of us continue to see each other after the fact. - Michael Anderson, Bentonville High School, '22
I learned a lot about different people and I also learned how to think better and defend my stances - Camdon, Greene County Tech, '22
I learned about the influence of the media and I got to watch very fascinating films. - Caroline Wooley, Estem High School, '22
I learned that you never truly know when or where you will find the place where you truly belong. - Joshua Ford, eStem, '22
Being a residential program, Arkansas Governor's School helped me learn how to manage life and live independently in a college setting, helping me determine the pros and cons of living in a dorm before college admissions begin. - Aniket Gupta, Bentonville High School, '22
I learned that we can be who we are no matter what life challenges may arize. - Timothy Scott, West Fork High School, '22
how we impact the world and can change it - Dayton Hartsell, Cabot High School, '22

What would you say to a student who is considering applying to AGS but does not want to give up their summer to go to class for 4 weeks?

I would tell them that AGS is so much more than class: it’s a community of critical thinkers. - Libby Holden, Melbourne High School, '21
This was one of the best learning experiences I have ever had plus it looks amazing on a college application. - Hailey Bearden, Conway High, '21
That they should do it because in the end it is so worth it and how amazing of an opportunity it is to be able to meet new people and learning more in the things you love to know. - Cindy Ramos, Lake Hamilton High School, '21
You do so much more than just class. This is a chance to make memories that no one else will get. At Governor's School you don't really even feel like you're in class. You will only spend about 4-5 hours a day in class then the rest of the time you can do whatever you want. - Kerrigan Loyer, Heritage High School, '21
It’s worth the time. You’ll never have an opportunity like this again. - Anna Hopper, Liberty University, '21
Not going to lie, I missed having time to myself during the summer. But governors school is something worth your time because it’s fun and looks great on your resume. - Logan Principato, Cotter High School, '22
It’s absolutely worth it. It’s not like school - you will make lifelong friends - I want to go back so badly, you will love it. - Natalie Shunk, Lakeside High School, '22
It is definitely worth it. You get to make friends who are interested in the same subjects you are with the same drive that you do. It is incredibly diverse so you get to learn of different backgrounds and cultures. The have no tolerance for disrespect either and everyone is accepted regardless of beliefs. - Anette Razo Blanco, Bryant High School, '22
You're going to kick yourself for the rest of your life for not taking this opportunity. Yes, 4 weeks is a lot of time out of your summer, but trust me and 43 years of AGS students, it was literally one of the best 4 weeks of our lives. I don't go a day without thinking about and using what I learned at Governor's School, and I wish I could go back and spend another 4 weeks at AGS every summer. - Tiffanie Hicks, Clinton High School, '22
I was hesitant about it at first, but I found myself so sad when I had to leave. It seems like a long time but it’s really short when you’re there having fun. A fun, informative experience that looks great on college applications is better than a month just sitting in your room. - Kenzie West, Dewitt High School, '22
It doesn’t feel like class to be honest. You’re in an environment where almost everyone wants to learn and give more information and the time spent outside of class is worth it. Plus you can leave on Sundays so you can still hang out with friends. - Myra Mangum, Conway High School, '22
Do it. It’s so worth it. Classes are not like high school classes. Teachers respect you, value your time, and treat you like adults. While I was at AGS, there was truly nowhere else I would have rather been. Apply. - Hallie Rackley, Van Buren High School, '22
AGS is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and more, it's completely free. Free housing, free food, free classes. There's no reason to turn it down. Even if it's an underwhelming experience for you, just getting the experience is still so worth it. - Jo Crites, Alma High School, '22
AGS is not just about classes. You get to experience the college experience, including classes, parties, roommates, events, and the dorm life. However, even though classes are heavily involved in the program, they are the most amazing classes you will take until College! The professors are amazing and treat you like a young adult, much different than your current teachers. - Brooklynn Prince, Bryant High School, '22
AGS doesn't feel like school. Yes, you wake up at a certain time every day, but I guarantee you that time is later than what you normally do for school. "Class" doesn't feel like a class. Class is sitting in a room full of people just as passionate as you are and discussing those exact things you're passionate about. I think my Area II class could have solved most of the world's problems if you would have kept us there any longer. The classes you go to are how classes *should* be. - Allison Humphries, Calico Rock High School, '22
The classes aren’t even half of your experience. Even when you do go to class, they aren’t like normal high school classes. No grades. No tests. Simply learning in an environment where everyone around you is as motivated as you are. - Harlem Taylor, LISA Academy West High, '22
AGS is more than a "summer school." Sure, there are classes to attend, but they don't give homework or grades at all, so it removes the pressure and emotional distress of normal school. Also, the topics aren't your typical high school subjects. You talk about several interesting topics about your chosen subject, philosophy, personal development, etc. After you finish class at around 2:30, you have a LOT of free time to attend events (410s and 610s) that are a lot of fun and about things you want to learn more about. You also have a bunch of free time to make friends, play games at Baztech, grab a drink at Starbucks, or even watch movies at a friend's dorm. On top of that, there are socials and community events on weekends, which is definitely something to look forward to and have fun with! Plus, you're away from family so you can express yourself freely here, which for me, gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself. - Alexandra Flores-Hernandez, LISA Academy North High School, '22
It's worth your time, it may be a little anxiety racing in the beginning but in the end you build friendships and come out with more insight of the world. - Caroline Wooley, Estem High School, '22
I would say that whatever you were going to do with those four weeks could never be as valuable as AGS. It was one of the best and most unique experiences I've ever had and I'll cherish the memories I made there for the rest of my life. - Sydney Evans, Conway High School, '22
It’s not regular school. The only expectation is that you participate and have a good attitude( if even that). This opportunity is the most judgement free zone where kids can discuss hard hitting topics while being smart and respectful of each other. - Abrielle Mendez, Bergman High School, '22
The four weeks fly by and you still have fun social time with friends at AGS. The classes aren’t even half of your time there. - Leah Nerenberg, Fayetteville High, '22

Some people have criticized AGS because they think it promotes a singular political viewpoint. How would you respond to this criticism?

If AGS has taught me anything, it’s to listen to different points of view, not to conform to a single viewpoint. - Libby Holden, Melbourne High School, '21
I would think not. At Arkansas Governor’s School we were taught to learn to respect other perspectives because we don’t know what led up to their decision and personally I don’t think Governor’s School changed any of my political viewpoints. - Jakobi Oliver, Maumelle, '21
The reason why it may support a certain viewpoint is because the STUDENTS THEMSELVES have those viewpoints, therefore, they are more prevalent. - Hailey Bearden, Conway High, '21
Some of the ideals of AGS line up with specific political views but you can't just look at those parts of the program because other aspects line up with other views. While I was there I met people from all different blocks of life so we all think very differently and feel different ways about the world but we still all got along and heard each other out even if politically we didn't always agree. - Rachel Miller, West Fork, '21
This isn’t true because in class we would be able to have discussions where political viewpoints would show but they wouldn’t all be the same and we could all respect each other in class discussions. - Cindy Ramos, Lake Hamilton High School, '21
I think it is a fair point. Programs should always be working to look at all viewpoints and respect them equally. - Anna Hopper, Liberty University, '21
I’ve heard this criticism many times from outside people, and I would have to completely disagree. AGS is not teaching us what to think, but how to think. They promote the idea of free expression, and being able to talk about your opinions and feelings without judgement. They want you to be able to gain different perspectives on topics so you can better understand what others think and why they think that. I’ve learned things at AGS about difficult subjects that I wouldn’t have learned or heard about in my household or community. I think AGS is a great place for learning how other stand on topics and being able to discuss each other’s standpoints without criticism. - Kiersten Tallent, Star City High School, '21
I think AGS is a place where everyone can voice an y opinion as long as it isn't violent to others. The teachers aren’t biased so I don't see how anyone could say it promotes a singular political viewpoint. - Keylen Botley, eStem High School, '21
I would say this is absolutely true. I’m a pretty moderate conservative, but I was highly criticized for some of my viewpoints when people wouldn’t even listen to the justification. All the impact speakers were highly left oriented (besides gov Asa, which was a mandatory speaker) and all the class professors were left minded. It felt like indoctrination while I was there and made me very uncomfortable. - Logan Principato, Cotter High School, '22
That not true, in fact AGS encourages everyone to look at all different types of views to allow them to make an informed opinion on what the individual thinks is the best - Zoe Henson, Russellville High School, '22
AGS was founded on the idea that you will not be told WHAT to think, but HOW to think. And, for the most part, it conforms to that ideology. We are all human and have different political viewpoints, and, as a result, they were inadvertently pushed on us by the people at AGS. It was not intentional, and I didn't take it that way, because the whole point of AGS is to express your own beliefs in a judgment-free environment. I think k this criticism is valid, but the problem is completely understandable. No one is perfect, not even the amazing AGS. - Tiffanie Hicks, Clinton High School, '22
I wouldn't say AGS had a singular view, but the people who attended had their political view. It was just a coincidence that most of the people there thought the same way. AGS never shunned those who thought differently, but allowed people to say their opinions and heard. - Khristin Guardado, Hot Springs World Class High School, '22
There are several viewpoints that the staff are very supportive of, they don’t criticize you based in your views. We are tough that we all think differently. Which is a good thing. There are several different topics with several different viewpoints that are recognized. - Maggie Dyer, Rogers New Technology High School, '22
At AGS, the students make the experience. They lead conversations, they’re free to debate. AGS is truly as diverse as its students are, and WOW, are the students diverse. They come from every part of Arkansas, from all different backgrounds, and yes, from all different political beliefs. I met so many people at AGS across the political spectrum. - Hallie Rackley, Van Buren High School, '22
I felt very comfortable in the AGS environment. I met people who were far left, far right, and everything in between. I noticed that everyone (for the most part), regardless of their differing views, was friendly, respectful, and accepting towards one another. - Jo Crites, Alma High School, '22
In my experience, I have not seen/heard this happen. Everybody that I talked to at AGS was very open minded, had a vast political viewpoint, not all of them had the same viewpoint. - Harmony Peterson, Mena High School, '22
I wholeheartedly disagree. While there may have been a political majority among the students, the faculty encouraged respectful discussion. It wasn't biased one way or the other, and everyone had a chance to speak up and give their thoughts and opinions. I wasn't taught what to think; I was taught how to think for myself. - Allison Humphries, Calico Rock High School, '22
In my area 2, there were view political views from both sides but we were all able to talk about what we believed without getting into fights. The teachers don’t point you to believe one view, instead they let the kids do all the talking and form their own opinions. - Emily Phifer, Lisa Academy North, '22
I went for 30 days and couldn’t even tell you what political viewpoint I have, much less Governor School’s. - Harlem Taylor, LISA Academy West High, '22
if you think that a school is going to turn you to another viewpoint, you're weak. Although I personally have a leftist viewpoint, I met a lot of like minded people, but nobody tried to "convert" me to anything. I also made it known that I was religious and nobody minded or tried to change me. - Camdon, Greene County Tech, '22
There’s really no way to avoid that criticism. Opposite views were portrayed, but there was no way to make those views not polar. The world today is polarizing, with no way to go around that. If moderate people were chosen to speak, then nobody would listen. - Kiya Britt, Bryant High School, '22
The promotion of a single viewpoint does not come from any faculty or any of the staff or even governors school itself. It comes from the student body who applies and attends. The majority are usually those who are constantly seeking knowledge and opportunity to help those around them so it seems as if this is a “liberal” minded program, but it really is not. It’s for the open-minded and often open mindedness is viewed as a liberal trait, but it is that mindset that you have to break down to realize that AGS is for all who open themselves to new opportunity. - Sydney Stewart, Conway High School, '22
The speakers are more liberal than average but AGS itself does not discourage any conservative beliefs. People from ALL places felt welcomed even if we didn’t agree all the time. - Abrielle Mendez, Bergman High School, '22
I have not seen that happening. I think people have the right to say their view points, and AGS has done well of teaching the concept. - Timothy Scott, West Fork High School, '22

What additional comments do you have about AGS that you want others to know?

Corecommend to any upcoming seniors. It’s an opportunity to be independent from your parents and to further explore your self-identity. - Libby Holden, Melbourne High School, '21
It give opportunities to the less unfortunate like me and across Arkansas, to value education and give opportunities that we formally didn’t have. - Jakobi Oliver, Maumelle, '21
As with anything, there are hard days and there will be people and things you disagree with but part of the role of being a student at AGS is the willingness to work around issues and still find ways to thrive in hard environments. In my opinion AGS was 100% worth it even though there were things that were difficult to work through but those challenges and the ability to work past them are why we went and why we all worked together so well. - Rachel Miller, West Fork, '21
When looking at Arkansas Governor's School it may seem very daunting. I know personally that I was terrified to go because I didn't want to leave all of my friends and family behind for an entire month. I am a very introverted person so I didn't think it would be easy to make friends here, but then I realized that everyone is gonna feel timid so you just have to do it. I am so happy that I chose to go to AGS and make so incredible memories and friends. - Kerrigan Loyer, Heritage High School, '21
Arkansas Governor’s School has truly been a life changing experience. I’ve learned more in my 4 weeks of AGS than I have in 12 years of school. I’ve made friendships that I know will last a lifetime, because AGS friends are truly like no other. It’s a different kind of bond you make with these people. I would recommend AGS to anyone willing to apply. It’s an incredible program with awesome people who make it even better. I would apply every year if I could. - Kiersten Tallent, Star City High School, '21
At AGS you will begin to feel like a family with the people you’ve met and you won’t want to leave at the end. - Lauren Gregory, Jacksonville High School, '21
Before I came here everyone told me that it was going to be a waste of time, it is like voluntary summer school, and only nerds go to it. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Genuinely, AGS was the highlight of my summer and will be an experience that I’ll remember for a lifetime. Since there’s no grades, we were free to express ourselves through our learning, so it made it nothing like regular schooling. A variety of different people came here and because of the no phone policy I was able to branch out of my shell and meet new people. When people say they met lifelong friends here, they weren’t kidding. - Maria Waite, Bryant High School, '21
It is so worth it. You will never have another chance like it. - Olivia Davis, Conway High School, '22
Honestly worth the investment of time. - Anette Razo Blanco, Bryant High School, '22
I went into AGS thinking I would have stressful classes and be all alone the entire 4 weeks. I was wrong. The classes, while challenging, were so much fun that I woke up extremely early to get to class before everyone else. It was also so refreshing to have a classroom full of people who actually CARE about learning and are committed to becoming better. Everyone there was there because they were the best of the best, just like I was. It was easier to connect to people just like me. - Tiffanie Hicks, Clinton High School, '22
The staff and students at AGS inspired me to be more verbal when it came to speaking up to problems in the world, get more involved with extracurricular things, and believe in my capabilities as a person. - Khristin Guardado, Hot Springs World Class High School, '22
I created friendships with all of my areas but especially area 1. This is a quality opportunity that I’m glad I got to experience. - Maggie Dyer, Rogers New Technology High School, '22
it's fun, but you need to work you need to go to classes and be everywhere on time - Gage Hudson, Russellville High School, '22
Enjoy every moment of it. The classes, the people, the professors, the food. It's an experience that the average Junior has never encountered before. After AGS, you'll find yourself randomly thinking back to the hundreds of amazing, funny, and beautiful moments that AGS had to offer. - Brooklynn Prince, Bryant High School, '22
AGS was legitimately one of the best experiences of my life thus far. The freedom it allows, the thinking it encourages, and the environment it creates among a single group of kids are things I didn't know I needed. When you go to AGS, you're stepping into a network of thousands of people of all ages who had to watch the same hour-and-a-half-long art film that you did. It makes you feel like you're part of a community. - Allison Humphries, Calico Rock High School, '22
The social aspect of Arkansas governors school cannot be understated, you will meet people from across the state and you will have so much fun. I never met anyone at Ags that didn’t make new friends and have an amazing time. Ags felt like a month long party. - Michael Anderson, Bentonville High School, '22
You can start a club, and it’s actually easy to. You’d be surprised how many people you can become friends with simply by starting a club. - Kiya Britt, Bryant High School, '22
It is overall a really fun and amazing experience. You make new friends, learn new things, develop on your own, and if you get "homesick" your family can visit every Sunday! - Heavenly Thompson , Mountain View High School, '22
The summer I went to AGS was the best summer of my life. I learned so much and met so many people that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I want you to know that it's okay to be nervous about stepping outside of your comfort zone, but that shouldn't stop you from capitalizing on absolute blessing that is AGS. - Sydney Evans, Conway High School, '22
I never felt that I had somewhere where I truly fit in until I went to AGS. That’s where I found my people, I finally have somewhere where I can feel like a part of something. I wouldn’t trade a second of my time there, not even for the world. The only downside to it is that everybody gets emotional once it’s time to go home. - Joshua Ford, eStem, '22
truly fun and life impacting experience - Dayton Hartsell, Cabot High School, '22