Eighteen students from Suffolk Public Schools have been selected to participate in this year’s Tidewater Regional Governor’s School for Science and Technology.

This particular Governor’s School program is for gifted students in third to sixth grades and offers the students the opportunity to look at real-world problems in the science and technology fields.

Deputy Superintendent Deran Whitney said this experience will provide students a more comprehensive view of their studies.

“With a focus on science and technology, it provides opportunities for students to see connections with what they learn throughout the year and future career opportunities,” Whitney said in an email statement to the News-Herald. Whitney added that this program is well received by parents and the students, and that this experience helps challenge the way students approach their classes.

“The huge benefit to students and us as a school system is that the program promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students work collaboratively with others,” he said.

The program, which is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education, pulls students from Isle of Wight County, Franklin, Southampton County and Suffolk.

To qualify for participation, students had to have their applications selected by the division committee.

This year’s participating students are Katelyn Creech from Booker T. Washington Elementary School; Joshua Stopyra from Creekside Elementary School; Jacob Bordeaux and Kamarie Jewette from Driver Elementary School; Josh Bush from Elephant’s Fork Elementary School; Tyler Barrett from Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School; Abigail Bilby from Mount Zion Elementary School; Brittany Elliott from Nansemond Parkway Elementary School; Cameron Carlen, Queenique Dinh and Jonathan Dygert from Northern Shores Elementary School; Myra Bailey from Southwestern Elementary School; Leanna Harville and Jordan West from Forest Glen Middle School; Jonathan Bailey and Alexis Knight from John F. Kennedy Middle School; Nicole Gordon and Melissa Ketch from John Yeates Middle School; and Christopher Barnes from King’s Fork Middle School.

During the program, students will get to hear from expert guest speakers in various technological fields and will also take field trips.

The program will run through the month of July, and the students will be able to present their work to fellow students, parents and instructors following the program’s end.