2011 – Page 6 – The Gatton Academy News

Community Leaders Busily Prepare for Arrival of Class of 2013

August 22, 2011 | News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Community Leaders assist RC Laura Huff in preparing door decorations for the arrival of the Class of 2013.

by Sammi Hawtrey, Academy Avatar

Classes don’t begin for another week, but several Gatton Academy students are already hard at work.

With the air brimming in anticipation of the new juniors’ arrival, these select few have arrived four days early to ensure that everything is ready in time. Since Wednesday, the Academy Community Leaders have been participating in a variety of seminars and meetings to prepare for the upcoming year, filling the Schneider Hall with energy and excitement.

Community Developers (CDs) are student mentors who reside on each wing. Their purpose throughout the year is to be leaders in their community who aid in conflict resolution and are available to help fellow students in need of advice. During the past week, they have been involved in numerous seminars on goal-setting, diversity, leadership, effective communication, and resolving conflicts. In addition, they have been decorating the wings according to their various themes in order to make them feel more like home.

“As a CD, I am looking forward to being an exemplary role model to not only my roommate, but also to other juniors on my wing and throughout the building,” noted second floor CD Hannalore Clause.

“Last year, the seniors really helped me manage stress, and I want to support the juniors in the same way,” added third floor CD Paul Fleischmann.

Also participating in many of the diversity and leadership seminars are members of the Student Government Association (SGA). Voted into the position by their peers, SGA representatives are there to voice the opinions of students to the Academy leadership. Their main occupation has been planning the year’s course and learning ways to best represent incoming juniors, who may not feel comfortable speaking up. Throughout the year they will be coordinating more student activities and seeking to play a bigger part in everyday student life.

Another group which has been hard at work is the Academy Avatars. As the student outreach representatives of the Academy, they have been participating in multiple brainstorming sessions, examining current methods of publication to discover how they can be further improved. Learning how to answer questions quickly and efficiently and seeking to build better one-on-one communication with potential applicants have been primary topics of interest.

Michael Crocker, a current Avatar, took the position in order to help others better understand the Academy experience as an opportunity: “I want to work towards increasing public awareness of this school and let more people know about the incredible opportunity it presents.”

During the year, the Avatars will be primarily assisting with preview weekends and information sessions, as well as writing articles and continuing to communicate with potential applicants. “I am most excited about meeting students who might be here in the years to come,” said Crocker.

This exemplary group of students has been working diligently in eager anticipation of the new juniors’ arrival and the return of existing seniors. It is evident that their hard work has one purpose: to bring about yet another stellar year at the Gatton Academy.

2011-12 Community Leaders

Community Developers

Hannalore Clause, Daylynn Allison, Samantha McKean, Jordan Curie, Lori Lovell, Taylor Leet, Rachel Metcalfe, Jesse Matherly, Layne Webb, Keaton Smith, Nick Zolman, Alex Gutierrez, Paul Fleischmann, Jon Warren, Nathan Lasley

Student Government Association Leadership Team

Holly Morris, Chris Brown, Hannalore Clause, Nick Zolman

Academy Avatars

Andrea Eastes, Erin Walch, Charlotte Humes, Sammi Hawtrey, Rachel Metcalfe, David Sekora, Will Bickett, Michael Crocker, Jon Warren, Logan Eckler

By Corey Alderdice

Photo Album: Class of 2013 Arrives

August 21, 2011 | News, Photos | No Comments

Photos by Lydia Brothers

[flickr album=72157627493234380 num=30 size=Square]

By Corey Alderdice

Clarice Esch Receives EPA Fellowship to Continue Research at WKU

August 16, 2011 | Academics, Alumni, News, People, Research, Student Success, Students, WKU | No Comments

WKU Honors College student Clarice Esch, a Gatton Academy graduate, has been awarded an EPA fellowship.

WKU student Clarice Esch, a rising junior in the Honors College at WKU and a recent graduate of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, has been awarded a Greater Research Opportunity Fellowship by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch of Somerset, Esch is one of many successful scholars whose research at WKU has led to national recognition.

For the next two years Esch will receive nearly $50,000 in financial support, including a stipend, tuition payment, and an allowance for educational expenses, from the EPA as she completes her degree. As one of almost 40 students from around the country to receive this prestigious award, Esch will also receive funding for an internship between her junior and senior years. This fellowship, offered to promote careers in research, is open to undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in an environmental field.

“I recognized that this was an excellent opportunity. I knew that if I received the fellowship it would fund my education, my research, and open many doors,” Esch said. “There was no reason for me not to apply.”

Research is central to Esch’s plans. An agriculture major with a concentration in horticulture, Esch plans to earn a Ph.D. and serve as a university faculty member or researcher in a government facility, like the EPA. This fellowship will allow her to travel to out-of-state conferences and meet other experts in her field across the country as she continues her research endeavors and begins to consider graduate programs.

While a student in the Gatton Academy, Esch began searching for a solution for the excess nitrogen from fertilizer that disrupts the flow of waterways. She is attempting to use nitrogen-fixing lichens as a solution.

“The lichens I work with are an excellent option because they are organic and potentially provide a sustainable supplemental source of fertilizer,” she said.

Even before her success in the EPA GRO competition, Esch’s research had received national recognition. This spring, she received an Honorable Mentionfrom the highly competitive and prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program.

Esch offers thanks to the staff of the Office of Scholar Development for their guidance, assistance and willingness to help. She is also grateful to her research mentor, Dr. Martin Stone, Leichardt Professor of Horticulture, for his support in the lab and classroom.

“Clarice Esch has distinguished herself academically, both in the classroom and in her research here at WKU,” Dr. Stone said. “Agriculture is at the center of sustainable food production and its impact on the environment. Clarice is passionate about the intersection of these two critical areas, and she represents the next generation of scientists that will tackle these important issues. We are proud of her and congratulate her on this most prestigious award. It is well deserved.”

Esch said she was “absolutely elated” when she heard the news that she had been selected as an EPA GRO Fellow. “Four walls could hardly contain me,” she said.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Tennis Courts, Busy Streets, and Lots of Sights in London

August 13, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments

by Jon Warren

Today was the Fighting Automatons first full day in London. Groups divided up after breakfast and went on their separate ways into one of the largest cities in the world. It turned out to be a day filled with seeing many tourist attractions and having dreams come true.

My group’s journey took us to the home of the tennis tournament know solely as The Championships, Wimbledon. The over 40 acre private country club features over 20 tennis courts including 15 made of grass. The museum was the most intriguing and engaging museum that I had ever been to. With the history of tennis being told in the museum from the first Wimbledon tournament 125 years ago to the present day title win of Novak Djokovic just a month ago. The museum featured touch screen tables with information on past and present players.

The tour took us to areas of the grounds off limits when The Championships are being held. We were allowed to see the famous Center and No. 1 courts as well as the court in which Isner and Mahut battled to the longest game in tennis history lasting over 10 hours and spanning three days. We went to the press room and were able to set on the stage where the players sit after games for interviews. We ended the tour with a trip down the hall of champions which had the names of all winners whether it was doubles or singles in the history of Wimbledon.

My group proceeded to take advantage of our day pass on the London Underground and visited Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Other groups had the same idea as some visited the palace and iconic clock tower. Some went to plays and musicals, while some did shopping and dining at the Hard Rock Café on their 40th anniversary.
London definitely is a city filled with adventures and iconic tourist attractions. We have one more full day in London before boarding our plane Monday afternoon to head back to the United States. What adventures will await us tomorrow in the host of the 2012 Olympic Games?

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Woodland Merriment Abounds at Robin Hood Festival

August 11, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Caroline Stivers

This morning we got up bright and early to head down to breakfast and then get on the road to go to the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. While there we saw all sorts of medieval things from jesters to singing plague victims.

Upon our arrival we watched two incredibly silly jesters. They did things like juggle bowling pins with a person standing in between them and eating fire. After they finished their show we headed over to the jousting arena. Here we watched an amazing falconry show. During this we saw a vulture, two hawks and an owl. They did tricks like finding hidden mice and catching mice when they were thrown in the air. While the owl was doing this they were playing Hedwig’s Theme which made it about 10 times more awesome than it already was.

After the falconry show was over we hung around the jousting arena a little longer until the jousting tournament started. During this we got to see knights joust and sword fight. For the finale we saw a face-off between Sheriff and his enemy, Robin Hood, with Robin Hood, in the end, winning.

Next, we headed on over to Major Oak and saw Major Oak Mayhem. Starting this show off were the Singing Plague Victims. These were two dreadful people with sores and very long noses that reminded me very much of Pinocchio. While they sang their humorous songs they also played the trumpet and accordion. The next act after them was a fire eating and blowing pirate. He started his act off by asking a woman to come take his clothes off while he danced around. Then he started his real act by eating fire off of two torches and then fire blowing.

After this we started back towards the bus. On our way back we encountered a medieval peasant who tried to give us free kisses, which is a discount from his usual £2.50. Then, we headed back to Harlaxton Manor to prepare for class and prepare for our trip to London.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Lake District Brings Students Waterside, Woodland Adventures

August 11, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Nathan Lasley

The day started with an elegant breakfast provided by our wonderful hotel, the Burnside Hotel, near Windermere. At 9:00 a.m. the Fighting Automatons met with Corey to set the ground rules for the day, and a day it would be, a free day to explore the Lake District. As soon as all was said and done the Fighting Automatons scattered like quail to hike, boat, or even mountain climb in the beautiful scenery of Lake Winderemere.

My group for the day decided to go on the hunt for a waterfall. In particular the Stockghyll Force in Ambleside located about five miles on the other side of the lake. With two modes of transportation available, a bus trip or boat tour, we settled for the scenic lake cruise. Our scenic lake tour took us up the lake crossing over the deepest point at a depth of about 240 feet. The view was absolutely beautiful. From the top of the boat you could see nearly the entire view of the lake; from the mountains seeming to touch the clouds to all the lush green pasture lands. It was breathtaking.

After our 30 minute cruise we landed at the Ambleside Pier and after a 20 minute walk ended up in the town of Ambleside. Once we arrived the search for the foot path to Stockghyll Force began. After about an hour of searching, getting side tracked by a large gem store, and getting turned around we finally found what we were looking for, the path to the falls. The trek up the mountain was steep and difficult but ultimately worth it. The falls were gorgeous and the water nice and cool. The peak even allowed some opportunities for perching.

After taking dozens of pictures and playing in the water at the bottom of the falls we began our hike back towards the pier. We grabbed a late lunch at a small local bakery before our mile walk from the town to the pier. Ready to head back we caught a later cruise back to Windermere. At five, the Fighting Automatons regrouped and those interested in the University of Chicago attended a meeting via Skype afterward with which they again split up for dinner.

Dinner consisted of fish and chips prepared fresh by a local restaurant, Vinegar Jones, whose fish was debated to be better than that of the Magpie in Witby. Dinner was followed by ice cream for dessert and some shopping before the town’s day ended. After a day like today sleep should not be hard to find. For tomorrow, off to Nottingham for the start of the Robin Hood festival. According to Corey, “There will be falconry.”

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Trains, Regal Garments, and Sunday Lunch Mark Visit to York

August 8, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments

by Aaron Stolze

Our trip began today with something many of us were really looking forward to, a train ride across the English countryside. Since many of us had never rode a train before we were eagerly awaiting the experience. It was cool to say that I’ve been on a train before but it definitely isn’t the way that I would do most of my traveling.

After a decent train ride, we had finally found ourselves in the city of York. We were greeted with a skyline view of our first stop, the York Minister, the one of the largest gothic cathedrals in northern Europe. Walking through the halls really brought you back to when the place was first built. Especially down in the crypts of the Minister. Plenty of artifacts could be seen, it really gave made you appreciate just how great these people must have been if there history could still be seen today.

After we had spent some time at the Minister, we took a little stroll to Clifford’s Tower, the city’s local castle. It gave us a beautiful view of the city but what most of us enjoyed the most about was playing dress-up. It was too tempting to put on some medieval clothing and pretend to be royalty and snap a few pics in the throne.

Once our castle visit, the group began to split up as it was our time to explore York for ourselves. There were far too many shops for us to visit them all so we did our best to only hit up the best ones we could find. Much to our delight, Will Bickett and I had found what we had spent all our time in England looking for, top hats. We decided to mull over our decision a little longer over an early dinner but this would prove to be our downfall. Walking around the corner we met found Corey who brought us the news that York was basically shutting down for the night right at 5. We hurried over to the hat store but were too late. Since all of the shops were closed, there wasn’t much to do until our departure in two hours so we walked around for a little more until we decided to end the night with a quick bite to eat on the riverside before we needed to head back to Harlaxton to prepare for our next trip to the Lake District.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Fun in the Most Unusual Ways at the Manor

August 6, 2011 | International, News, People, Summer | No Comments

Unplanned Activities around Harlaxton Manor
by Lori Lovell

While the last few days have been fairly unplanned, they have certainly not been uneventful. With beautiful weather outdoors, we have taken to our environment, enjoying the wonderful campus that Harlaxton College has to offer.

Hill-rolling has become a real excitement for us. Scouting out spots to roll has become a favorite among many of my peers. “I’m a hedgehog!” said Nick Zolman describing his experience rolling down one such hill. Providing many laughs and a few headaches, hill-rolling has definitely added some zest to daily life here at the Manor.

Soccer has also been a real outlet. We let our competitive sides shine last night with an epic game of footbol. During the intense game, Jon Warren showed his true determination to dominate, rivaling Gerard Butler’s fortitude in the action-film 300. Reflecting on the game, Jon disclosed, “It was a one sided game throughout, but when it came down to what really matters the most (penalty kicks), our team pulled out the victory.” The game was a real smash.

Shortly afterwards, scheming of a large game of capture the flag began. Exhausted from the intensity of our soccer game, a few of us left before the game’s start; it was time to hit the showers. From those that stayed, I hear the game was quite interesting. With the vastness and interesting terrain of the grounds of Harlaxton Manor, it took great technique and strategy to even enter the other team’s territory.

Worn out from our time outdoors, it was fortunate that this morning held the rare opportunity to sleep in. With a day trip to York and time in the Lake District ahead, today is looking like the perfect chance soak up some sun and revel in relaxation at Harlaxton Manor before continuing with our many adventures across England.

Just Another Evening at Harlaxton
by Daylynn Allison

It was a cool, calm night. The grass was slightly damp from the bouts of English rain. The various lighted windows of the manor sent eerie shadows sprawling across no man’s land. All was silent. Ten students, two territories, one objective: capture the flag.

With a quick exchange of “Pip pip, Cheerio”s between the captains, the game began. Suddenly there was a flurry of motion at one end of our border. Our sentry reacted quickly to take down the man sprinting across our turf, just barely catching him before he reached the edges of our boundary. He was our first prisoner. He was quickly joined by another who was caught in an attempt to rescue him. I stood by and snickered while they searched their prison for the flag, all the while keeping an eye out for their other three teammates who might come searching for the flag or attempt to release them. I knew it would never be found. We were too well prepared for them. We had two who had succeeded in sneaking across the border and were searching their territory for theirs, but the remaining three of us were well positioned to take out those who attempted to do the same. Over and over the opponent sent men and we pushed them back to no man’s land. Too soon, the game ended with the bell in the clock tower ringing out, signaling to us that curfew quickly approached. As neither side had even located the other’s flag, we called it a truce. Collecting our flags and discussing just how close we had respectively come to reaching our goal, we returned to the manor.

So went the events of last night. Some of us, or at least I, woke up sore this morning. Despite this, I believe, every moment I am allowed to spend with these people I have come to love is worth it. Living, working, playing, and travelling with others who understand me and are going through similar experiences is something I wouldn’t give up for the world. Just another evening with academy students? You decide.

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Anthony Gutierrez Studies Locomotor Dysfunction at WKU Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Center

August 4, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Research, Students, Summer | No Comments

Since 2010, the Gatton Academy has offered students the ability to pursue summer research experiences through the Gatton Research Internships Grants (RIG) program. Made possible through the generous support of Mr. Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, the program offers competitive grants to Gatton Academy students between their junior and senior years to support summertime research internships across the Commonwealth and the world. By providing a funding mechanism, the program directly creates new avenues for growth and exploration. Throughout the summer, we’ll share insights from students who are the recipients of our 2011 grants.

Anthony Gutierrez (’12) of Mount Washington is performing in Dr. Alexander Rabchevsk’s lab at the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, studying locomotor dysfunction after spinal cord injuries.

1. Tell us a little about the research experience in which you are participating this summer that the Research Internship Grant is funding.

This has been a wonderful research experience so far. From the very first day I was experiencing the daily life of my lab, which revolves around Spinal Cord Injury. I have worked with equipment that cost $200,000 dollars, such as a Crysectioning Machine, which is used to cut small section of the spinal cord. Honestly, in these three weeks, I have experienced so much, yet I know there is still more to discover and work on. I have enjoyed my lab mates, as they are all fun to be around, yet they know how to get their work done and are willing to be patient with me and teach me how to do certain procedures. This is because my lab revolves around a certain motto: “Watch it, do it, teach it.”

2. What is the part of the summer experience you are enjoying most?

I believe the part of this summer experience that I enjoy the most is the freedom, as I don’t feel pressured to go to bed a certain time, or feel as if I have to go somewhere. I am on my own schedule, so I can study as long as I want, but I am also allowed to have free time. Also, I love how much time I spend on research, which is approximately 9 hours a day. It seemed like a lot at first, but I feel that I get a lot done in a day than I normally would with my old research, where I only stayed for 2 hours and only 2 times a week. So, I get a lot more done.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

I know it is different by speaking with all of my old friends who are still in high school. I have been receiving the same answer, where they are usually working, going to GSP, or doing nothing at all. I can’t blame them, as I would probably be working a summer job if I didn’t attend Gatton, as I wasn’t exactly interested in research before the Gatton Academy. It seems that it changed my whole mindset towards summer, as all I wanted to do was take part in research.

4. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

I plan on attending Medical School, so this gives me a head start on my interest and resume. I plan on being a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, so both can deal with the spinal cord. As I am already learning clinical techniques, such as taking care of the patient pre and post-surgery, I am getting a head start on my education.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I can’t wait to start up classes and meet back with all of my classmates. I enjoyed being with all of my classmates, and I truly do miss them this summer. As for classes, I can’t wait to start taking higher level biology classes.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Moors or Less: Students Experience Haworth, Bronte Museum

August 2, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer, Video | No Comments

by Taylor Leet

Today, Academy students went on a day trip to Haworth to delight in the literary history that accompanies the West Yorkshire Moors. A silvery mist only heightened the supernatural sensitivity that goes hand in hand with an expedition to the West Yorkshire Moors. Stepping off the coach, we were met with a slight sprinkle of rain and hint of sunshine. As we made our way up and down the cobblestoned streets of Haworth Village, we took the chance to appreciate the quiet serenity so different from our recent experience in Bath. The streets were decorated in homey, quaint shops and intimate pubs. It’s easy to get caught up in the sights because not long after disembarking from our coach, we effortlessly managed to pass up our first destination, the Bronte Parsonage Museum. After a quick about-face, we trudged up the hill where we came to a place that was once home to three of the most critically acclaimed authors of all time.

Upon entering the Bronte household some, such as myself, we’re required to take a deep breath in order to soak it all in. After regaining our composure, the first wave of Fighting Automatons descended upon the rooms of the house and the secrets they hold. We were able to immerse ourselves in a world in which timeless literature had been woven into the fabric of time. The family parlor which lay immediately to our left still contained original letters and even the couch on which the infamous Emily Bronte passed away. It was in this room where classics such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Tennant of Wildfell Hall had been written discussed and rewritten until they were finally the novels we know and love today. Stepping lightly up the groaning staircase, we eventually came upon a room containing first editions volumes of Jane Eyre and original poetry by Anne Bronte. Timeless pieces preserved in glass encasings so that many generations may enjoy them for years to come.

As the Bronte house faded into the landscape, though never fading from our memories, the group sectioned off and went about exploring the hillside village. Several students took a daring leap into a local candy store, Mrs. Leighton’s Sweet Shop, where they indulged in what Lori Lovell claims to be “the sourest candy she had ever tasted.” A word to the wise, take caution when treating one’s self to a ploom.

A handful of students ventured off to a local tea shop where they partook in the ancient ritual of tea and scones. The Earl Grey kept you warm and the scones decorated in rich cream and strawberry preserves provided a light meal. After gathering the troop, the automatons made their way back to their bus where the driver promptly whisked us off to the West Yorkshire Moors.

The moors are one of the few places in the world where serenity conspires with superstition to create a place in which fantasy and fiction possess the potential to become reality. Listen closely and you can hear the faint howl of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Traipsing up and down the narrow, rocky footpaths some began to lose their sense of surroundings. We easily began to understand how some get lost in the ups and downs of the Haworth Moors. But as the gloom faded into the horizon, students were dazzled by the cheerful sunlight and the breathtakingly blue skies. You could say that we got to experience the best of both worlds. After a couple of hours of frolicking in the heather bells and perching on jutting rocks, we said goodbye to the moors as we made our way back to Harlaxton Manor.

The day ended in a return trip back to Harlaxton where we enjoyed a traditional English meal of Mexican cuisine and banana tacos coated in powdered sugar. Dinner was followed by a private viewing of the 2011 Sherlock Holmes television series where students and Dr. Langdon discussed how the tale of the great detective has changed through time and in some ways, remained the same. But when the adults go away, the children must play. So while Dr. Langdon retired for the night, many students stayed behind to watch the “classic” B-movie, Orcs! After many good laughs, students retired to their rooms anticipating what the next week and half would have in store for them.

By Corey Alderdice

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Year: 2011