18 Students Complete GSSM's Accelerate Engineering Program

Photo: GSSM recognized 18 students from across South Carolina during its 10th annual Accelerate Completion Ceremony on May 17, 2025, at Prestwood Country Club in Hartsville. Front row, from left: John Scheffer (D.W. Daniel High School), Akira Ogawa (Easley High School), Koen Hood (South Pointe High School), Katherine Yorulmaz (J.L. Mann High School), Lauren Brock (Chesterfield High School), Vladislava Leaphart (Gilbert High School), and Sara Bourini (GREEN Upstate High School). Back row, from left: Jayrah Bostic (High School for Health Professions), Johnny Suggs (Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology), Andrew Chen (J.L. Mann High School), Brynlynn Putnam (Lexington High School), Savana Odom (Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology), Kennedy Jones (Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology), Kalianah Moreno (South Pointe High School), Erin Nielsen (South Pointe High School), Namya Gupta (River Bluff High School), and Haley Tibai (Gilbert High School). 

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (May 22, 2025) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) celebrated the achievements of 18 high school seniors from across the state who successfully completed its Accelerate engineering program during a ceremony held Saturday, May 17, at Prestwood Country Club.

Accelerate is GSSM’s rigorous virtual engineering program for students in 10th through 12th grade. It allows students to earn college credit while completing advanced engineering coursework, all while remaining enrolled in their home high schools.

Ms. Joceline Irick, a 2021 graduate of the Accelerate program and recent graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, delivered the keynote address. She graduated summa cum laude and will begin work on her master’s degree in civil engineering at Clemson University this fall.

“Initially hesitant due to the program’s rigorous reputation, I took the leap, and it became one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever undertaken,” said Irick. “Beyond earning college credits, the program continues to have a lasting impact on my life. It gave me the confidence to embrace new opportunities, think creatively, and approach challenges with an open mind.”

This year’s completers represented 11 public school districts and charter schools across South Carolina. Participating schools included Chesterfield High School; Easley High School; D.W. Daniel High School; Gilbert High School; GREEN Upstate Charter High School; J.L. Mann High School Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology; Lexington High School; Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology; Orangeburg High for Health Professionals; River Bluff High School; and South Pointe High School.

Accelerate students complete a demanding three-year curriculum that mirrors the experience of collegiate engineering programs and equips them with foundational skills for success in STEM fields. As a capstone, seniors address one of the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges for the 21st Century.

“This group has demonstrated tremendous growth in their ability to apply engineering skills to real-world problems,” said Dr. Randy Gibson, GSSM’s director of Accelerate and engineering instructor. “Through their capstone projects, they’ve tackled complex issues such as carbon sequestration, the science behind personalized learning, and health-focused innovations that enhance the joy of living. These projects reflect their ability to not only think critically but to design practical, research-based solutions.”

“Accelerate is a great program that allows high school students to take college-level dual enrollment and honors courses while remaining at their home high schools,” Gibson added. “They’re challenged academically in ways that prepare them to become the next generation of engineers addressing the most critical issues facing our world.”

“The Accelerate Engineering program advances GSSM’s mission to extend access to rigorous, high-quality STEM education to students across South Carolina, regardless of geography,” said Dr. Neval Erturk, GSSM’s vice president of academics. “These graduates have shown remarkable determination and intellectual curiosity over the past three years. Their accomplishments reflect their academic ability as well as their resilience and readiness to lead in an increasingly complex, innovation-driven world. We are incredibly proud of what they achieved and excited to see the impact they will make.”  

Now in its tenth year, the Accelerate program continues to expand its reach, giving students in both rural and urban areas access to high-quality engineering education through virtual instruction and in-person summer intensives. The program is open to students enrolled in public, charter, and homeschool settings across South Carolina.

For more information about the Accelerate program and how to apply, visit www.scgssm.org/accelerate.