Seal and Allen thanked all their teachers who helped get them to college, particularly their literature teacher, Lynn Stowers, who taught them for two years at Thomasville High School.

“All the teachers are fabulous there, and all of our teachers were fabulous,” said Seal.

Seal and Allen said they enjoyed meeting some of their fellow classmates and their professors.

“To make friends and get to know your professors really paid off,” said Allen. “The professors are key to everything, and our mentors introduced us to some faculty members. I’m going to attend a breakfast conducted by the head of the political science department with my mentor.”

A nice surprise came during an end-of-program banquet when awards were given out: two community spirit awards and two academic scholar awards (each was awarded to one male and one female).

“I was sitting at the table right next to where they were awarding things,” said Allen. “I saw the names of the two community spirit people, and I saw Molly’s name.”

Seal said someone told her five seconds before her name was announced as the female winner of the academic scholar award.

“It was euphoric and a good way to wind up,” she said.

Allen won the male academic scholar award.

“I worked so hard. It was an amazing feeling,” he said. “All my hard work paid off. I almost knocked over the table getting up.”

The duo also said the FCSE program was worth the trip.

“It’s definitely worth it for anyone who wants to go,” said Seal.

Allen said he felt bad for anyone starting class who did not participate in the program.

Classes start Wednesday and both Seal and Allen are headed back to UGA.

“It was nice to come home. It really was,” said Seal. “But, now I’m ready to go back.”