SHS and SOSD proudly recognize the 2021-22 class of Early Honors scholars. Front Row: Mikaela Young, Alexandra Williams, Lily Schauwecker, and Kylie May Back Row: Dr. Angela Farmer, Aaron Twietmeyer, and Dr. Eddie Peasant
Five Starkville High School seniors were accepted into the Shackouls Honors College Early Honors Academy at Mississippi State University for the 2021-2022 school year.
Kylie May, Lily Schauwecker, Aaron Twietmeyer, Mikaela Young and Alexandra Williams will earn nine hours of honors college credit while also earning three high school credits upon completion of the Early Honors Academy.
“I’m incredibly proud of our students who have embraced this opportunity to stretch their minds and further their pursuit of knowledge during their senior year of high school,” said Superintendent Eddie Peasant who recently spent a morning with the students during their class.
The Early Honors Academy is a partnership with Mississippi State University and the Starkville Oktibbeha School District, and it offers academically talented seniors the opportunity to engage in dual credit honors college classes held on campus at Griffis Hall, home to the Shackouls Honors College.
During the Spring 2022 semester, the Early Honors scholars, have gathered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Griffis Hall on the campus of MSU to discuss "Chernobyl: From here to eternity," a course taught by Dr. Angela Farmer, Asst. Clinical Professor of Honors Education.
In addition to lectures and required readings, the students break into small challenge groups to discuss what they've learned.
"It's a big discussion room," said Mikaela.
"It really encourageshigher level thinking," said Lily.
Those discussion allows students to connect what they are discovering from their study of a real-life event to other coursework at SHS.
"In our study of Chernobyl, we talk about radioactive half-life and chemical reactions," said Kylie, who is also currently taking Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry at SHS. "I am able to take that information back to my AP Chemistry class and offer a different perspective to classmates."
The early introduction to honors college courses has also influenced students as they make decisions about college.
"I want to major in economics," said Alex. "This experience has allowed me to discover my passion for social issues of economics. It has also offered me an excellent introduction to Shackouls Honors college, and it has made me even more excited about about my future in the honors college."
Recruitment has begun for the 2022-2023 class of Early Honors scholars. SHS students with an excellent academic record who want to challenge themselves during their senior year of high school are invited to apply.
The program offers two three-hour seminar courses taught by Shackouls Honors College faculty The courses focus on intense learning experiences and include research opportunities, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Students who complete the early program will earn honors college credit and high school credit.
Students who were unable to attend the interest meeting for the Early Honors Academy should contact Stephanie Keller, SHS Counselor, at skeller@starkvillesd.com or 662.324.4130. You may also email Dr. Angela Farmer, Early Honors Academy Director, at earlyacademy@honors.msstate.edu.
