2019-2020 Avatar: Jack McCoun

What’s the best way to introduce myself? A good ole’ “Hey everyone!” or maybe something funny like the Beyoncé I’m listening to right now? I don’t know. I guess I’ll go with just something tried and true. Hi! My name is Jack McCoun and I will be serving as a Gatton Academy avatar for the 2019-2020 school year. I am from northern Kentucky, specifically Henry County. My sending school, or home high school, is Henry County High School. I come from a family of five and am the youngest of my siblings. Together, we all farm our 300-acre land in Smithfield.

Honestly, I didn’t know about Gatton until my freshman year. The day that I toured the academy I had never thought about gifted education due to the inability to obtain one at home. The trip inspired me to pursue my academics further, as I now had an opportunity that would grant me the abilities to fulfill my interests. I took both Geometry and Algebra II at the same time just so that I could meet the requirements of the Academy, along with studying the ACT for a higher score. It took me forever to complete the application; I was so nervous that I spent many hours making sure everything was right. By the end of my sophomore year, I was accepted in to Gatton and the rest is history.

So far my time at the Academy has been great! I study Mandarin Chinese through Gatton’s STEM + Critical Language track, and will be in my third semester of the course this following school year. With this opportunity, I have been able to learn more about cultures outside of our own and view the world in a different perspective rather than the lens of American culture I have always known. This has led me to be a much more open person to new things. Also, I have been an active participant in WKU’s Chinese club, and have presented at the Chinese Spring Symposium. These experiences have allowed me to put my language to use and join with others who share the same passion as me.

In addition to Chinese, I have enrolled in several clubs across Gatton, including Y-Club, Yearbook Club, and the Animal Shelter Club. Each have allowed me to join in our community and form close relationships with my peers and in the family that Gatton holds. I feel that clubs are an important part of any school, especially Gatton, as they bring together students and bolster the community.

I’m still trying to find what my current dream job will be. I have so many things in mind that it can be hard to choose just one. This has never been a problem at Gatton though, as I have always felt encouraged to try new things and see what I like best. One of the things I enjoy about the Academy is the staff’s willingness to help you in achieving your dreams, even if you don’t know what that dream is.

Another opportunity Gatton has given me is the ability to travel safely and efficiently. In about a week I will be leaving the country with forty-nine other Gatton Academy students, with the destination of England. There we will spend three weeks studying and absorbing the rich literature that the country holds. By the end of the trip we will have received our English 200 credit, along with ever lasting memories of friends going study abroad.

I am so excited to experience and share my last year of Gatton with you so that you may be inspired to join our huge Gatton family. Until next time!

Your avatar and friend,

Jack