One of the best-kept secrets in South Carolina must be the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville. Thanks to the vision and tenacity of Dr. Virginia Uldick, founder and past president of S.C. GSAH, this phenomenal school has been in existence for less than a decade and proves what can be accomplished when private, public and government entities work together.

Tucked away by the Reedy River near downtown Greenville in the foothills of the mountains is the magnificent campus, where our state's most talented teens can enjoy an education in visual and performing arts as well as in the humanities.

From art to acrobatics, cello to ceramics to creative writing, dance to drama, oils to opera, painting to photography, saxophone to Shakespeare and violins to voice, the arts are alive and well in South Carolina.

Our granddaughter spent five weeks as a voice student in the 2003 Honors Program, and we had the privilege of attending "A Festival of the Arts" during the summer session. High-school students from across the state showcased the results of their "boot camp for the arts," as the school is affectionately called.

Bravo to these talented teens, President Donald W. Beckie, the outstanding faculty/staff and the world-renowned artists who were brought in to share their talents and expertise with the students. The results were absolutely amazing.

Special thanks go to Uldick, Gov. Mark Sanford and the people of South Carolina, as well as First Citizens Bank, The Greenville News and the many other sponsors.