Tag Archive : Avatar Article

/ Avatar Article

Intramural Sports

October 11, 2012 | Student Life, Students | No Comments

[fblike]By: Kesi Neblett

Although the Gatton Academy students are not able to compete in Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) sanctioned sports, Gatton students still find ways excel on the field and court. The Academy allows students to participate in intramural sports at Western Kentucky University creating a great release from the stress of research projects and strenuous classes.

The Gatton Academy Co-ed Flag Football team, the Pre-Schoolers have been tapping into their inner Alabama on South Campus intramural fields. The PreSchooler’s female players are enjoying being able to participate in a male dominated sport and last week Hannah Pennington was voted game MVP. Under the leadership of Blake Hawley and Ryan Gott, the PreSchoolers have gone 0-2, but they are hoping to change that this week in their match versus Western’s Farmhouse.

The variety of intramural sports offered allows Academy students to stay active in their own way. Elite, the Gatton Academy Women’s volleyball team has gone 6 and 1 over the month of September and October. The team was named the divisional champions this week beating Western’s Kappa Delta Gold team.

Overall, Gatton Academy students have been taking advantage of the physical wellness opportunities Western has to offer and are leaving their mark on campus in and outside of the classroom. Gatton students are showing that they do not only excel at academics, but athletically, as well.

Read More
By Gatton Academy

Sounds of the Gatton Academy

October 2, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike]
As soon as any visitor walks into the lobby of the Gatton Academy, they can practically hear the students’ minds working as they study. However, that is not the only sound emanating from the Academy. Often the sounds of a piano and students sing can be heard throughout the building.

Music is often an outlet for Gatton student helping them escape the stress of their coursework. Though Jeet Parekh, Academy senior, is not involved in any organized musical activities, he still enjoys having a musical outlet available to him. “I often play piano to take my mind off classes. Occasionally, I just sit (in the lobby) and listen to my friends playing (piano).”

While students come to the Academy to fulfill their passion for science and math, students do not have to give up their love for music. For example, Ellen Green, Academy senior, can often be found at the piano bench practicing. “It’s amazing how the Academy is able to understand and support people with multiple passions. Music is a part of my life just as much as math and science, and that is perfectly accepted here.”

The Gatton Academy encourages student to become involved in extracurricular activities that encompass their interests. Not surprisingly, one of the largest groups at the Academy is the Gatton Academy Miscellaneous Musicians Association (GAMMA). When asked about her favorite part of GAMMA, Eileen Doan, Academy senior, commented on the group’s “wide range of talent that fits well together to make amazing and diverse music.”

No matter how the music is made or played, music has a positive impact of the Academy community. A stop on any floor of the building proves this.

Read More
By Gatton Academy

Junior Retreat

September 27, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike]Gabrielle Hamilton

As students at the Gatton Academy finish up their third week of the semester, you can start to see signs of students settling in around the Academy. The juniors are now comfortable with their schedules and are handling the stresses of living on their own. At this time each year, the juniors are whisked off to Camp Loucon for a weekend filled with games, seminars, and bonding.

During the weekend retreat, the juniors had a chance to relax and forget about school worries. Instead of classes, students attended seminars throughout the weekend focusing on team building and living a balanced life. While students participated in many seminars throughout the weekend, the juniors spent plenty of time just enjoying the outdoors taking hikes, stargazing, and just hanging out with their “new” friends.

At the end of the day, the juniors participated in the annual Zombie tag, a game famous at the Academy. “Zombie Tag was so much fun. It was probably my favorite part of the retreat,” said Gretchen Walsh as a few juniors sat together remembering their time at Camp Loucon. The juniors aren’t the only ones with fond memories from this camp. Academy seniors can still be heard reminiscing about stories and friends made from their junior retreat. The experiences the juniors had at Camp Loucon will stay with them for years to come and give them the confidence to make important life decisions.

Read More
By Gatton Academy

New Year, New Faces

September 25, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike]
By Chiraag Kapadia

The fall 2012 semester is underway at the Gatton Academy. The familiar sounds of ping-pong, doors slamming, and students typing away on their laptops resonate through Schneider Hall. As students go about their daily routines, staff members are busy at work. This year three new staff members joined (or rejoined) the Gatton family and today we spotlight Mrs. Mallory Melton and Ms. Erin Mooney.


Mrs. Mallory Melton is the new Student Services Coordinator at the Gatton Academy. Her position includes study skill and time management curriculum, monitoring study hours, coordinating the tutoring schedule and assisting with alumni relations. Mallory seeks to help students make the best of their educational experiences by supporting their academic needs.
Though Mallory’s job keeps her extremely busy, Mallory enjoys traveling to visit family and attempting new arts-and-crafts projects. And as always, Mallory would like to remind students to go on numerous college visits and meet with college admission representatives as they visit the Gatton Academy.

Ms. Erin Mooney is the new Residential Counselor (RC) for the female third floor wing, affectionately called “The Catsle” (no cats actually reside on wing). A native of Paducah, Erin completed her undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University and her masters at the University of Southern Illinois.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the students and learn from them” said Mooney. In her free time, Erin enjoys spending quality time with her dogs and watching movies. She is excited about all the possibilities for the upcoming year.

Best wishes and a warm (and belated) welcome to both Mallory and Erin! We look forward to working with both of you. Welcome to the Academy family!

Read More
By Gatton Academy

Finding Your Niche at the Gatton Academy

September 11, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike]
By: Duncan Wood

One of the staples of community living at the Academy is its vibrant and diverse selection of student-run clubs and organizations.

Nearly every student is actively involved in at least one club, while many participate in three or four organizations. Clubs range from leisure activities such as music and cooking to academic subjects such as forensics and mathematics. “I like the social aspect and the unity that the clubs provide,” said Gabe Smith, senior Academy student. Furthermore, clubs often help students discover their extracurricular interests. “I think clubs are an excellent way for Gatton Academy students to express their talents and interests,” said John Biecle-Speziale.

Students often become very involved in their clubs allowing for social connections with their peers to develop. “It helps us connect on more than an academic level,” said Erica Plummer and Hannah Pennington, members of the GAMMA ensemble. Leah Cannady’s thoughts summarize the importance of clubs at the Gatton Academy, “Clubs are one of the most enriching experiences that the Academy has to offer; it forms bonds deeper than just academics, bringing together people with common interests.”

Read More
By Gatton Academy