Artistically-Talented High School Students Hone Their Skills at Converse

For the thirteenth consecutive year, artistically-talented high school students from throughout South Carolina have gathered at Converse College to further develop their talents by utilizing the master teacher/apprentice philosophy. The proper name of the two-week session (June 30-July 14) is the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Academy, and is modeled after the Governor’s School Honors Program.

“We have 89 students participating this year,” says Robert Kinard, who is serving as Principal for this year’s Academy. “Our intense non-traditional curriculum includes work in the areas of creative writing, music, drama, and visual arts.” Arts educators from throughout the state, including many Converse faculty members, share their expertise with the students through studio work, performances, self-directed studies, performances, lectures, and presentations.

According to Kinard, Converse College is the ideal setting for the Academy. “Everything about Converse-including the tremendously talented faculty, the layout of the campus, and the modern technological equipment-makes it the perfect location for our Academy,” says Kinard.
The Academy is supported by grants from the South Carolina State Legislature and the Milliken Foundation.