Eleven Mobile and Baldwin county residents were chosen to attend the 2012 session of Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University June 17-29. They were among 80 outstanding rising high school seniors from 27 counties who were selected for the two-week honors program.

AGS participants received college level experience in academics, creativity and leadership. Course topics included the arts, law, healthcare, research science, Alabama ecosystems and entrepreneurship—a total of 16 subjects in all. They also participated in a service project, visited American Village in Montevallo and attended a Birmingham Barons baseball game and a special reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of AGS.

Participants included, by school:

Bayside Academy - Michael Daves of Fairhope, Joseph Olmstead of Gulf Shores, and Molly Pinnix of Daphne.

Faith Academy - Robert D. “D.J.” Parten, Jr., of Mobile.

Foley High School - Alex Muth and Calvin Muth, both of Foley.

McGill-Toolen Catholic High - Allen Davis of Spanish Fort, Kevin Kusch of Mobile and Jantzen Lee of Mobile.

Spanish Fort High School - Christina Irion and Emily Jennings, both of Spanish Fort.

AGS students are nominated by their schools on the basis of academic ability, leadership qualities, creativity and community service. Selection is also based on teacher and guidance counselor nominations, and a written essay.