Hello my name is Zoe Kemp, and I’m a junior at Maggie Walker Governor’s School. I know you’ve probably all heard that MW students pull all-nighters to finish their homework and don’t have social lives. I’m here today to tell you that that is not the case. MW is essentially what you make of it. Because so many courses are offered, you are the one who determines your workload. I know that some of my friends work much more than I do, and I know that some work a lot less than I do. That is the reason why there is no valedictorian at MW, because everyone’s schedule is so personalized to suit their interests and abilities that no 2 students can easily be compared. That being said, I personally feel like St. Michael's prepared me very well for MW, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover how manageable the workload really is.
MW is unique in that the student population comes from Richmond and all the surrounding counties. That, along with the freedom that MW offers its students, really sets it apart from other high schools. The dress code is minimal, we can eat in class, every classroom has a sign-out book that allows us to sign out and leave class as needed, and we can eat lunch anywhere on school grounds. I can’t imagine a more welcoming, more accepting environment than MW. Because there is no pressure to conform, there are no cliques, cattiness, or drama. That is actually one of my favorite things about MW.Every student takes 8 classes, one of which can be a study hall. Unless you elect to take gym on your own over the summer, one will be PE. Freshmen also generally take biology, world literature, global studies, a math class (which for you will probably be geometry), and a language as core classes. All freshmen take a class called FIRC that, because everyone comes from different educational backgrounds, teaches students basic research and study skills so that everyone will be on the same page. Every student, before they graduate, must have at least one art credit and six language credits. (You have to take at least four years of one language and at least two years of another.) MW offers 12 languages, including Arabic and American Sign Language.
No, MW does not have football or lacrosse, which I know may disappoint some of you. Yes, our homecoming game is a field hockey game. But I have to say, everyone gets so excited over that field hockey game and has so much school spirit that I can’t imagine we’re missing out on anything. MW offers field hockey, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, tennis, softball, baseball, swimming, soccer, and golf. Because preseason starts in early August for fall sports, playing a fall sport is a great way to get to know people before your freshman year even starts. And believe it or not, dodgeball is very popular at our school among students and teachers. Every year we have a huge dodgeball tournament that culminates in a very competitive final at our spring pep rally.
You name a club, we have it. And if we don’t, all you need is a sponsor to help you start it! Some popular clubs include Model UN, environmental club, all the different language clubs, gay-straight alliance, key club, club asia, outdoors club… Science, math, and most languages have honor societies. We have a very successful and competitive debate team, "We the People" team, and "BoB" squad team.
I hope I’ve convinced you that not all the rumors you’ve heard about the governor’s school are true. Maggie Walker is a great school that gives you the opportunity to decide for yourself what you want to learn and what you’re interested in. I’ve had a blast so far, and I feel like by the time I graduate I’ll be very well prepared for whatever I want to do next. So… good luck to all of you in making your decision, and I can’t wait to see some of you at MW next year!
