(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Three Washington County High School juniors have been selected for esteemed Governor’s Programs this summer. Joseph “Matt” Taylor and Lucas Tatum have been accepted into the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program. Jakob Midgett has been accepted into the Governor’s School for the Arts. The Governor’s Scholar Program, which originated in 1983, is a summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky. Students who are selected attend the program free of charge. The program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. To be accepted into the program, students must first compete at the school/district level, and those selected will then compete at the state-wide level. The Governor’s School for the Arts was established as a program of The Kentucky Center for the Arts and Kentucky Department of the Arts. It was inaugurated under former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins and former president of the Kentucky Center for the Arts Marlow Burt and began in 1987.

Taylor said he was interested in GSP based on the possibility of obtaining scholarships and that his older brother attended GSP and really liked it. At WCHS, he is a member of the Commander Track team, National Honor Society, Beta, and serves as a Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassador. During his freshman and sophomore years, he was a member of the Commander Basketball team. Taylor says he hopes to make new friends through the program. He is the son of Paul and Amy Taylor.

Joseph “Matt” Taylor

Tatum said he was interested in GSP also because of the scholarship opportunities. At WCHS, he is a member of Beta, the Environmental Club, Gifted & Talented, the National Art Honors Society, and serves as a Springfield-Washington County Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassador. Tatum says he hope to have a good time through the experience. He is the son of Tim and Glory Tatum.

Lucas Tatum

Midgett said he became interested in applying for GSA for the scholarships and after hearing about it from his friends. “My friends said it was a wonderful opportunity,” he said. At WCHS, he is a member of Academic Team, the Environmental Club and Gifted & Talented. He is also involved with the Central Kentucky Theatre. Through the program, Midgett said he hopes to grow in his chosen art form, drama, and meet others who are like-minded. He is the son of Billy and Nichole Midgett.

Jakob Midgett

“We are incredibly proud of Matt, Lucas, and Jakob for earning acceptance into these highly selective state programs,” says Allison Carney, who serves as the Gifted & Talented Coordinator and Resource Teacher for the district. “The Governor’s Scholars Program and the Governor’s School for the Arts provide life-changing opportunities for growth, creativity, and leadership. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and curiosity, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish through these experiences. They are outstanding representatives of Washington County Schools.”

“We are so proud of Matt, Lucas and Jakob for this outstanding achievement,” says Malissa Hutchins, interim principal at WCHS. “Being selected for the Governor’s Scholars Program and the Governor’s School for the Arts is a testament to their hard work, talent and commitment to excellence. They represent the very best of our school, and we look forward to seeing how these experiences shape their future success.”