LOUISVILLE — Thomas Shoemaker of Martin County was among more than 500 student-artists from across Kentucky who completed the 2025 Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) this summer.

Shoemaker, a graduate of Johnson Central High School, participated in the drama discipline during the tuition-free, three-week program at the University of Kentucky. Students were immersed in a full schedule of daily seminars, creative projects, master classes and lectures in nine artistic areas: creative writing, dance, design, drama, film and photography, instrumental music, musical theatre, visual art and vocal music.

GSA was held in two sessions, June 8-28 and July 6-26, and drew students from 72 counties. Special activities included a Kentucky Shakespeare in Central Park performance, the UK Opera Theatre’s “It’s a Grand Night for Singing!” and visits from guest artists such as Harry Pickens, Joy Lanceta Coronel, LaNia Roberts and Peter Collins.

Since 1987, more than 8,500 rising high school juniors and seniors have attended GSA, gaining intensive training, mentorship from professional artists and opportunities for life-changing college scholarships.