By:  Annie B. Wetzel

This past week, the halls in Bates Runner Hall became spookier than the thought of our rapidly approaching finals. Ghosts, bloody footprints, tombstones, and witches filled expanse of our walls. Each wing came together to decorate the portion of the building they call home for Halloween. The prize for best-decorated wing was a large amount of candy.

The result was quite impressive. Not only did wing communities become closer in the spirit of Halloween, but also produced a great result. The Academy’s creativity was evident.

In the end, one wing was named the winner. The girls residing on the left side of the second floor took the prize. Their hanging ghouls, outlined bodies, and monsters were deemed the spookiest of all.

Volunteering is way to gain experience, to grow as an individual or group, and to make a positive impact of the lives of others. There are many options for Gatton Academy students to get involved in service.

Key Club is an international student-led organization, which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. The Gatton Academy’s Key Club has participated in various activities including a fundraiser for UNICEF during Halloween, as well as volunteered at Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green and community events.

Beta Club is another organization with a mission to serve. In the past, Beta Club has traveled to the local animal shelter and cleaned the surrounding parks.

GALE is the Gatton Academy’s tutoring program in association with Dishman Elementary School. Gatton students can spend an afternoon working with young students in the community on their schoolwork, all the while making connections and forming relationships.

These are just a few of the possible extracurricular activities in which service is available. Within the Academy, students are passionate about helping others and making a difference. There is an abundance of resources to fulfill this passion.

By: Annie B. Wetzel

We grow up hearing that college is a lot different than school through twelfth grade and there will be a huge increase in responsibility. This isn’t far from the truth. You aren’t in class seven hours a day. While some classes are similar in size to high school classrooms, there are lecture courses with over 200 students. The professors won’t remind you to study or turn in assignments. They won’t typically give you a study guide consisting of the actual test questions. There is no requirement to give you a good grade.

At The Gatton Academy, we are high school students enrolled in university courses. We are required to adjust to the new and different environment. I started at the Academy with some worry about being successful in a college class. After the first few weeks, I learned the campus and got into a good routine with my study habits and organization. My uncertainties subsided and a certain confidence ensued.

There are a few things I would recommend to ensure that there is as easy a transition as possible into college classes for new students. Print out your syllabi and read them carefully. It is useful to go into your courses aware of the expectations and scheduled topics of study. Get ahead. Read the chapter or handout required before class. You will have an easier time understanding the lecture and when recalling information while preparing for tests. Be aware of deadlines. These deadlines can be for assignments, forms, etc. Make sure you turn in work in a timely manner. High school teachers are usually more lenient with late work than professors. Ask for help. If you have a question or are struggling with a course, ask the tutors or a senior. They will be more than willing to help. Do not wait until last minute to try your best. You will be a lot less anxious when finals week rolls around to not have to receive an A to increase your grade. Digging yourself a hole in the beginning from not studying or managing your courses well enough will only stress you out more has the time you have to improve runs out.

In the end, college isn’t all about academics. It is a time to figure out who you are and what you stand for. The Academy is only two years, so make sure you take every opportunity and make every moment matter.

I was raised in Princeton, a small town where everybody’s name is ingrained in your memory by grade school and you can always count on a quick arrival to any destination due to the fact that there are only two major stoplights. My imagination and yearning for adventure are the products of growing up on a cattle farm outside the city lines.

In 2014, I packed my bags and headed off to The Gatton Academy. It was my chance to break the tight bonds of a small town and to explore a new world where I would be challenged and among likeminded students.

When my mom would call and ask how the Academy was on a scale of 1 to 10, I would always reply, “10.” I loved every minute of my first year. I was quickly immersed in the cultures of both Gatton and Western Kentucky University. When I wasn’t studying or doing homework, I would hang out with friends or binge watch an assortment of Netflix shows (because if you watch Grey’s Anatomy you are basically a surgeon, right?). I met some of my best friends over the course of a year. It is hard not to become close when you live under the same roof. Late night dance parties, cookie pizza runs, and treks around campus became normal everyday life activities.

The Gatton Academy may have the stereotypical reputation in which everyone slaves over schoolwork and never sees daylight in order to master various subjects, but that is far from the truth. I have laughed more than ever, danced more than ever, and discussed truly interesting topics more than ever. The Academy is just as social as it is academic.

I look forward to spending my last year soaking up every moment. I always loved sharing my experience at the Academy with friends and family back home and I now have the opportunity to speak to various students, parents, and others interested in learning more about my school. I cannot wait to begin my senior year and am excited to see what the new school year will bring.