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Class of 2006 Pictures

View a few pictures depicting the great times and friendships created during the school.

 

Alumni where are they now

 

Name Hometown GSA Class What am I doing now?? VGSA impact on me.....
Letitia Wu McLean 2004 Junior in High School

It was the most awesome experience ever!  Got to meet new people that enjoyed studying the same things I did. Time away from home; unlimited food; just an exhilarating time that I'll never forget.

Nick Kuchenbuch Riner 2004
Jessica Mills Boston 2002 Senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education with a Minor in Horticulture

The Virginia Governor's School for Agriculture was the experience of a life time.  The program gave me the opportunity to meet people of all different backgrounds.  I was able to interact with others in a positive atmosphere.  This allowed me to develop as a person; and enjoy my time at Virginia Tech.  I continue to keep in touch with friends I made during my time with the Governor School; and came back as a TA for the 2004 class.  The program is an awesome experience that I would recommend for any student wanting to have fun and work hard in a college environment with great people.

Michelle Khilji Alexandria 2004 Senior in High School

This was a great experience as I was exposed to things that I never learned about; and I met really cool people. I will never forget those 4 weeks at Virginia Tech; thanks to all the fun the GSA staff provided.

Jared Burner Luray 2001 Junior at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences and Agricultural and Applied Economics

I will put it this way; without Governor's School; I would not have the opportunities to excel in agriculture like I do now.  I am currently doing research under the professor I had as my IGP leader.  The connections you have from Governor's School will last a lifetime.

Bethany Osborne Christiansburg 2002 Sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences and Agricultural Education
Yasha Mathur 2003 Freshmen at University of Virginia majoring in Pre-Med

Awesome experience that led to look how nature is connected to science.

Kelly Whaley Virginia beach 2003 Senior in high school and working part time on a dairy farm
Tonya Pruitt Dry Fork 2002 Sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Biochemistry and Agricultural Education

It helped me to choose my major.  It also helped me get used to being away from home and dealing with a roommate and diversity.  All of these things have made dealing with college a lot easier.

Christine Corser Burke 2003 Freshman at Wilkes University majoring in Pharmacy

Met some of the awesome; coolest; funniest people ever! :) Miss everyone!

Josh Stephens Fort Valley 2002 Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Agricultural Technology

By taking courses at Governor's school; I made a decision to major in Ag. Ed. with a minor in APSC or CSES instead of receiving a degree in forestry.

Farhan Ahmad Woodbridge 2004
Jennifer Rea Alexandria 2003 Freshman at Cornell University majoring  Chemical Engineering

VGSA was a wonderful opportunity to open my horizons and to try different fields of interest.  I truly enjoyed the diverse group of people that attended the Governor's School.  It was a relaxing environment with great instructors.  Everyone should have the opportunity to attend.  We worked hard and had sufficient time to relax and get to know each other.  I will always miss my time there and I hope that I will always be invited back for an alumni reunion.  Thank you for the opportunity to attend.

Patrick Auth 2003 Freshman at United States Coast Guard Academy majoring in Electrical Engineering
Carla Rood Charlottesville 2004 Senior in High School

VGSA changed my future. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life but VGSA gave me an interest. I have grown up in the city and didn't know much about Agriculture. As a Veterinary Medicine Major; I learned so much in one month about things I never thought I would. I got to do things such as put my hand inside the stomach of a cow; give a shot of medicine to a baby pig; and dissect a sheep and a pig! There was always fun stuff to do and so many hands on activities. I now have been accept to Virginia Tech Early Admissions and hope to eventually go to Vet School at Virginia Tech. I loved it so much that I hope to become a GSL after my first year at Virginia Tech. I also hope to room next year with students that I met at Governors School. It really changed my life and definitely for the best.

Laura Franklin Arlington 2004 Senior in High School GSA for life!!! I miss you guys!!!
Bree Melton Lexington 2002 Sophomore at Washington and Lee majoring in Economics, focus in poverty studies I made some great friends who I adore and still keep in touch with, I was exposed to something I didn't know much about, and found a passion. How many people can say they took classes from Dr. Dixie, flipped a sheep, published a paper before graduating high school, or planted a bonsai tree? GSA was an incredibly unique and rewarding opportunity.
Lauren White Triangle 2003 Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Biology then applying to Vet School! GSA was the most amazing experience of my life, I would do anything to be back at Governor's School right now. I've been to dozens of summer programs but never any like this. Most of my closest friends today are my fellow Vet-Med buddies. I can't walk across Virginia Tech's campus without running into someone I know. So many of us were from NOVA that we have our own little reunions 2-3 times a year. We achieved the level of friendship that will last a lifetime. I know that when I get to vet school I'll be surrounded with a number of familiar faces.
Lauren Patterson Blacksburg 2003 Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education First and most importantly, I met my fiancé, Casey Belzer, while attending GSA. I also decided to take up Agricultural Education after becoming unsatisfied with my original major in college. I remembered how much fun GSA was for me, and I want to help others experience that as well.  The summer I spent at Governor's School was the best of my life, and I truly believe that every event that has taken place in my life since then, in whatever distant way, has come about somehow based on my attendance. Even though there were a lot of times when things went wrong, or classes got boring, or I just wanted to go home, looking back, I would not trade the experience for anything in the world.
Adam Henderson Suffolk 2002 Sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Biology, pre-vet The GSA provided me the opportunity to break out of the bubble that I knew as high school. As I attended a small private school, I saw the same people everyday for practically 12 years. The GSA exposed me to the college environment, and dorm style living. I believe the GSA gave me a step up on how to prepare for college, and got rid of some of the anticipation. I enjoyed meeting all of the people and had a great time learning. I was fortunate enough to be in the vet science field of study where I had some first hand experience at the vet school. The GSA is a program that I believe helped me to get where I am today.
Dante Earle Manassas 2004 Junior in High School
Beth Stanley Claudville 2004 Junior in High School
Kayla Minnick Radford 2003 Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences GSA was one of the best experiences of my life. Some of my best friends now at VT are people I met there. The month I spent at GSA had a wonderful impact on my life and looking back it seems like it was a lot longer than a month--but only in the best of ways. So many neat things we did, from the research projects and field trips to dissecting chickens with Dr. Beal, gave me opportunities a normal Virginia student never would have experienced in a high school program. I am so thankful I had the chance to do so many interesting things and meet so many special people.
Jennifer Surotchak Purcellville 2004 Senior in High School and will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall.
Ashley Kopanko Altavista 2004 Senior in high school I will never forget GSA. I met so many awesome people that I consider some of my best friends and did so many things that I only dreamed of doing. Because of GSA I decided Virginia Tech was the only place for me and I am starting this fall in the Animal Science major and hope to become a vet some day.
Kristin Wahlberg Shawsville 2004 Senior in High School, but soon to be Freshman at Virginia Tech!! GSA For Ever!!! I love you guys and miss you!!!
Bethany Osborne Pearisburg 2002 Junior at Virginia Tech majoring Animal and Poultry Sciences
Amber Stroupe Blacksburg 2001 Senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Biochemistry Wonderful program that helped me decide my choice of college and major!
Kapo Leung Woodbridge 2004 Incoming Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Biochemistry Virginia Governor School of Agriculture was a great experience. Spending time with a vast variety of people I was able to meet students from all over the state and get a touch of how they live their lives. Governor school opened many doors to new opportunities and experiences I could not have gotten at home. Learning new things as well as making new friends, while only lasting a month I am able to keep these memories for a lifetime
Karen McDaniel Stanardsville 2004 Incoming Freshman at West Virginia University majoring in Agriculture VGSA was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I recommend it to everyone! It was the time of my life!
Jenna Roark Blacksburg 2001 Senior at Virginia Tech Definitely one of the best things I ever did. The friendships I gained there I know will last a lifetime!
Brandon Priest Hillsville 2002 Student at Nashville Auto Diesel College studying to be a Diesel technician VGSA showed me areas of agriculture that I didn't even know existed, I wish I could do it again!
J.T. Newberry Woodbridge 2001 Senior at William and Mary majoring in Public Policy and Sociology Governor's School of Ag was an incredible experience. If you're coming from northern VA and are wondering what the heck "agriculture" is, then you should definitely apply for this fantastic opportunity! As a high school student, I had no idea about the breadth of influence agriculture has over MOST of the state. It is simply amazing to see things from such a unique perspective. The people that you meet, the places that you go to, and the things that you do are still some of my best memories today. It was well-organized and a ton of fun. Just do it!
Dana Taylor Manassas 2004 Senior in high school I really opened up during my 4 weeks at GSA...I had never been in an entirely NEW situation before; I didn't know anyone, didn't specifically know what I would be doing at GSA, and it was a challenge for me to step outside of my comfort level and adapt. And I had fun the whole time!
Elizabeth Bourquardez Woodbridge 2004 Freshman at University of South Florida majoring in Biomedical Science It was just so much fun.   I met new people and the research experience was amazing!! I'm so glad I went and if I could I would do it over again!!!
Alyson Lancaster Millboro 2004 Freshman at majoring in Biology It had many impacts on me...but most of all it helped secure my attendance to Virginia Tech.
Rose Bradshaw Southampton County 2001 Senior at VA Tech majoring in Agricultural and Applied Economics and Political Science I did not really know what Ag Econ was all about before GSA. I have found a field I love and contacts that have already been valuable to my network- all because of the GSA program. And of course friendships that have lasted through college and hopefully after graduation.
Kate Deglans Oakton 2001 Senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Music Education Before GSA I never considered attending a big state university, but after my month at Tech I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Plus, I got an amazing freshman roommate!!!
Greg Mitchell Ashburn 2004 Senior in High School By far the greatest impact on my life.
Here's what I told the School Board of Loudoun County:  In a lifetime, there are events that stand out more than others, Governors School is one of them. My experience I had at The Virginia Governors School of Agriculture, was THE Greatest experience I have every had. It stands from the rest.
The fact that I was a “college student” for a whole month sat in the back of my mind the entire time I was there. I got the full experience while at Virginia Tech. Staying up till 1 every night, and waking up at 6:30 every morning, took its toll on me. We had class from 9-3 everyday, and then we had time allotted to work on our group projects. We were expected to work on these group projects for at least 2-3 hours every night. Also, the people and the friendships I made will last a lifetime. I was lucky enough to have had a suitemate, that attends a high school in my county. We have already met back up with other Governor School scholars, and have gone out to dinner. I still keep in touch with many of the group leaders, and teacher assistants from the school. The people that have affected my life will be with me forever. I will never forget the good and educational times I had while at Virginia Tech. The life lessons and the values added, have impacted my life in a such a positive manor, its hard to believe. I was rewarded in many ways and I wish I could attend a school half as effective and influentially impacting as my Governors School of Agriculture experience
Elizabeth Lovato Mechanicsville 2003 Freshman at University of Virginia majoring in Biomedical Engineering
Lindsey Reva 2004 Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Science Wow. GSA had a huge impact on many different aspects of my life. I made so many great friends, and I established several connections in the agricultural field to help me in my career. It helped me see that Animal Science was the right career choice, and it gave me a very unique research experience. Overall, it was amazing and I miss you guys so much!
Zack Cappello Charlottesville 2004 Freshman at University of Virginia majoring in Biochemistry and Bioethics That summer was amazing. I had always lived on a farm, so I knew what I was getting myself into. But I met so many great people and continue to keep in touch with many of them. When I went back home to tell everyone about my experience I had nothing but praise for the program. I encouraged many of the students in grades below me to participate in the program as well. The memories and experiences that I now hold from that summer will be with me for a very long time. I truely miss all of you and I hope that both the students and the advisors are doing well and I hope to see you somewhere along the way
Kim Meloy

Dinwiddie

2004   Incoming Freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in Animal and Poultry Science
Zachary Sykes Springfield 2004   Freshman at Northern Virginia Community College
Adam Ford Mt. Crawford 2004 Senior in high school GSA taught me so much about stuff that i had a huge interest in, but no one was willing to take the time to teach me. I learned about the repro tract of a cow, and how it can be turned into an interpretive dance. I made loads of friends that i still talk to today. I even thought about applying to GSA again this year. Can't wait for the reunion in a few weeks. Thanks Dr. Broyles
Chandler Douglas Clearbrook 2002 Senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Pre Med in Biology The people and experiences I had while at the Governor's school was absolutely amazing. Some of the kids I was with I still keep in touch with, and for one month, I had fun, met a ton of people, and learned about the other side of Agriculture. To anyone looking at going to the GSA: I say without hesitation to go for it. It will be a month you will never forget and never regret.
Bonny Chang Houston 2004 Sophomore at Rice Rice majoring in Cognitive Sciences I know I'm probably the 10293801923th person to say this, but GSA was really an awesome experience for me. The friendships made and college-like experience were what I found most valuable. VT has a beautiful campus and I really enjoyed the mountainous, farms, open-ness of it all. We were also pretty spoiled with super-nice dorms, good food, and awesome GSLs who made everything 10x more fun. It's pretty amazing how well you can get to know people in just a month's time, and it isn't hard to stay in touch if you want to since everyone's from VA. And you don't need to have a huge interest in agriculture to apply... if you're at all into the sciences or medicine or even food, you can probably find it there.
Yasmin Shafiq

Herndon

2002 Junior at Virginia Tech majoring in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences I met some of the most amazing people during GSA. I was exposed to a field I might never have thought about had it not been for this program. Thanks to GSA, i can honestly say that I love my major.
Jared Lawson Pulaski 2004 Senior at William and Mary majoring in Biology VGSA was a rush, met freinds I'm still in hanging out with today.
Eric Rigel Blacksburg 2004 Junior at Virginia Tech majoring in Biochemistry VGSA was a great experience that gave me the opportunities to network and meet with all sorts or people, and really showed me what college life is really like and introduced me to the best school in the nation Virginia Tech.
Matthew Compton Mooresville 2004 Junior at Hampden-Sydney College majoring in History-Political Science VGSA expanded my mind by opening new doors and letting me get a chance to work with a diverse group on projects that I normally would never even dream of. I became knowledgable on several different studies like Cow In-Situ and Horse breeding, as well as sheep wrestling and how to get attacked by squirrels. I made great friends and great memories.
Carla (White) Glass Castlewood 2001 Graduate of University of Virginia's College at Wise with a B.S. in Biology. Currently a 911 Dispatcher I attended the first GSA. It was an amazing experience. I met friends that I still try to keep in touch with and gained knowledge that has helped me with my career and college coursework.
Tracy Darouse Blacksburg 2004 Junior at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering  
Michelle Khilji   2004 Junior at Bryn Mawr College majoring in Pre-Med and Economics At the time I did not realize how beneficial this experience was. But now in college I have been applying many of the skills that I learned that summer. I always have a place in my heart for Virginia Tech.
Elizabeth MacMurray Woodbridge 2004 Junior at William and Mary majoring in psychology and pre- med It's been four years since we left VGSA, and I still tell stories of the wonderful experiences I had! The lessons I learned from peers and professors alike were life changing. I'm so grateful I had this opportunity and I would recommend it to any enthusiastic student out there!

© 2006 Governor's School for Agriculture

Last Updated: May 19, 2008