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The University of North Georgia (̨Íåswag) Summer Honors program continues to be the only camp in the region that offers high school rising seniors research-focused, collegiate academics along with intense leadership training. Summer Honors allows participants to identify their primary leadership styles and practice the art of leadership in an adventure-learning leadership curriculum. This year it was held from June 12-24.

Kelly West, Summer Honors director and senior lecturer of biology, has been a part of Summer Honors leadership since 2017. She is always amazed at the maturation of participants over such a short period.

"You see these young people change from the first day to the last day," West said. "It's unbelievable the amount of growth you see in students. It gives me chill bumps. I have parents cry and say, 'I've never seen my kid like this.' And it's that inspiring."

This year's smaller number of students boosted engagement and teamwork. 

It's unbelievable the amount of growth you see in students. It gives me chill bumps. I have parents cry and say, 'I've never seen my kid like this.' And it's that inspiring.

Kelly West

Summer Honors director and senior lecturer of biology

"With the classes I've had here, you could see the passion the professors have for teaching their subject matter," Woodstock High School rising senior Preston Fillar said. "It was an interesting experience."

The high school students also were able to learn from the five ̨Íåswag students who served as facilitators. West said that this year's event was different than previous years when facilitators returned for several years.

"One reason this year was so different was that we had all new facilitators, none of whom had any experience with Summer Honors," West said. "Even with the new group, we were able to get them up to speed and provide a great learning experience for the high school students."

Fillar said he would recommend the program to others.

"Summer Honors can appeal to the academic side of students, even those who might not enjoy outdoor activities. In smaller groups like ours, you bond with people and learn to get along really well," he said.

Summer Honors participant Nuru Kibare found herself with numerous first-time experiences.

"There were lots of opportunities for growth, leadership and teamwork," the rising senior at Cherokee High School said. "We did things like rock climbing that made us step out of our comfort zones."

Working though apprehension was something Arthuro Lira was able to do as a result of the two-week program.

"I would recommend this camp to students who want to improve their communication skills and be more fearless," Lira, a rising senior at East Hall High School, said. "Some people are similar to me and some are different. But that is what I like about this camp — its diversity."