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August 29, 2011 | News, People, Photos, Staff, Student Life, Students | No Comments
August 23, 2011 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
by David Sekora, Academy Avatar
It is Academy tradition to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new year with an informal evening picnic at the President’s house just off campus.
“We hope we can help make these next two years be everything you dreamed they would be. Welcome to the WKU family, and the food’s up that way,” WKU President Gary Ransdell proudly declared as the catering staff ceremoniously unveiled a veritable feast of plump hot dogs, juicy hamburgers, and assorted bowls of delicious backyard barbecue favorites.
An impressive showing, to be sure, and all in honor of the Gatton Academy Class of 2013, of which Dr. Ransdell could not speak highly enough. Of course, there were more people in attendance than the Academy neophytes in question. Various Academy staff members, Community Leaders, university professors, and department heads also gathered around the round white tables for an hour of intriguing discussion.
One of the more interesting characters wandering about was Dr. Gordon Emslie, WKU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. A triple major in Physics, Math, and Astronomy with extensive research and travel experience, Dr. Emslie regaled Academy students with logic puzzles and existential crises. From “How many post offices are in the US?” (there are less than 100000 because of 5-digit zip codes) to “Share with us something you believe to be an irrefutably true statement. Now, you have thirty seconds to convince us all that it is false,” to a broad assortment of pseudo-random facts and opinions about science, life, and the universe, the Scottish provost certainly knew how to appeal to Academy students.
Of course, the focal points of the party were Dr. Ransdell and his wife Julie Ransdell, who flitted from table to table engaging students in casual conversation about science, WKU, and adjustment to life at the Academy. After three years’ experience in holding this event, the beloved president and his wife had much to share with students new and old alike, and Dr. Ransdell’s speeches were as inspiring as ever.
“You have the whole campus at your disposal; as far as we’re concerned, you’re freshmen at WKU. You’re part of the university family now,” Ransdell said.
August 22, 2011 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments
by Charlotte Humes, Academy Avatar
Nobody said taking care of a child was easy.
For many parents, moving their child out of the house for the first time is one of the most difficult parts of the experience. Luckily, despite a quick survey of the activity revealing a few less-than-dry eyes, the overall attitude of the families moving in members of Gatton’s Class of 2013 was clearly positive.
Mark Allen, father of Cecily Allen, commented on this contradiction. “We’re excited but sad,” a combination I heard echoed by other parents. He added that this was his daughter’s “first extended period away from home,” but that “coming to orientation and preview weekends really helped.”
The fact that this was the second child to move out the home, he said, “definitely makes it easier.”
Fran Hamilton, the mother of Gabrielle Hamilton, felt similarly. A true veteran at this, with Gabrielle being her third, and final, child to move out of the house, she said that while she and her husband think it is “easier in some ways with each one you move out, and we are very excited for the great experience for our daughter, losing the youngest, the baby, is definitely toughest.”
She paused before adding, “We’re empty-nesters now.” No matter how many times the parents had been through this, or what amount of help that offered, it was still a challenge.
Naturally, there was an element of nervousness in their good-byes. Many parents mentioned that the distance would be difficult to handle. The most common concern was their child’s time management wanting to make sure that they “got their work done and studied.” Of course, the news that the Academy provides students with the resources to learn about and develop study skills, along with the reminder of mandatory study hours, helped ease parents’ minds, at least on that account.
Despite having the same concerns as any other parent would, Rob Johnson, father of Justin Johnson, weighed in on such things. “It’s a great opportunity, and I like that he’s moving in now, even though he’s younger. It gives him a safety net, so he’s able to ask for help and have a second family here, much better than just dropping him off all on his own in two years.”
Other parents repeated his beliefs, expressing relief that they were leaving their children in capable hands. While it may come as a surprise, age seemed to not bother most of the parents. “Age doesn’t matter,” said Karen, Justin’s mother. “He’s always been so mature, and he seems ready, so I’m not bothered.” Mike and Trish Smith, Ethan’s parents, also mentioned that “the fact that he’s sixteen doesn’t really change anything,” and that, regardless, while “the Academy gives greater challenge and independence, it also provides a lot of support.”
After a quick meeting with the staff, parents were asked to say their final good-byes. As children and their parents embraced, promising to keep in close contact, all were confident in their decision. The Academy will provide these 78 students with a second family, along with amazing opportunities, and everyone seemed to recognize this.
The final sentiment I heard echoed all around? “I love you,” said as parents let their child begin their next grand adventure.
April 6, 2011 | Admissions, News, People, Students | No Comments
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has selected 73 students for its Class of 2013.
The students in this year’s class span 46 counties from across the Commonwealth. This gifted group of high school sophomores brings with them to the Gatton Academy an average ACT score almost 10 points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.
Last fall, 280 students began the admissions process with 171 students qualifying for review. Students were reviewed based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards, extracurricular activities, responses to essay questions, and letters of recommendation. Earlier this month, 102 candidates were invited for interviews with Academy staff members and representatives from across Kentucky. In the end, 73 dynamic applicants emerged from the review process.
Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy, expects these students to continue the level of academic and personal engagement Academy students have demonstrated over the last four years.
“With our fifth recruited class, we continue to see the depth of ability and passion of students from across the state,” Gott said. “This cohort demonstrates, once again, that the Commonwealth can compete globally in producing young men and women who will have a major impact in STEM fields.”
The selected students scored an average composite of 28.9 on the ACT and 28.7 on the math portion of the exam. The highest possible score is 36. The 2010 state average ACT score for graduating Kentucky high school seniors was a composite of 19.0.
“The members of the Gatton Academy’s Class of 2013 have demonstrated they are ready for a greater academic challenge,” said Corey Alderdice, the Academy assistant director for admissions and public relations. “They will bring to WKU a variety of passions and abilities. Our goal will be to sharpen those skills as they grow and mature both academically and socially. Their experiences will be the flagstone in their pursuit to lead Kentucky in the 21st century.”
The incoming class includes students from the following counties: Barren, Boone, Bourbon, Boyle, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Butler, Carroll, Carter, Christian, Cumberland, Daviess, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greenup, Hardin, Hart, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, Mason, McCracken, Meade, Menifee, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Oldham, Rockcastle, Shelby, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Union, Warren, Wolfe.
This year, eight counties had students admitted to the Gatton Academy for the first time: Breckinridge, Elliott, Floyd, Mason, Meade, Menifee, Nicholas and Wolfe. To date, the Gatton Academy has admitted students from 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Moreover, the Gatton Academy assists in preparing Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers who live and work in the state.
Students will finish their junior and senior years of high school living in Schneider Hall and taking courses offered by WKU. At the end of their two-year course of study, they will graduate from high school and have earned at least 60 college credit hours.
The Academy provides a rich living/learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features clubs, organizations and community service. Additionally students are able to participate in advanced research with WKU faculty members. Research conducted during students’ time at the Gatton Academy has been honored in the nationally competitive Siemens Competition, Intel Science Talent Search, Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, and the Department of Defense Science, Math, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program.
The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s only state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in advanced science and math careers and one of sixteen such programs in the nation. In 2010, Newsweek magazine honored the Academy as one of 20 “Public Elite” American high schools.
More information about the Gatton Academy is available online.
Students selected for the Gatton Academy Class of 2013
From Barren County: Victoria Cain, a student at Barren County High School whose parents are Tonya Cain and Douglas Cain.
From Boone County: Akhil Ghanta, a student at Boone County High School whose parents are Uma and Koteswara Ghanta; Leonard Ivey, a student at Larry A. Ryle High School whose parents are Jeana and Eugene Ivey; Hannah Pennington, a student at Conner High School whose parents are Jo Anne and Gregory Pennington; Cheyenne Ullrey, a student at Walton Verona High School whose parents are David and Jennifer Hurta and Baird Ullrey; Paige Volpenhein, a student at Boone County High School whose parents are Kelly and Andrew Volpenhein.
From Bourbon County: Erica Plummer, a student at Bourbon County High School whose parents are Elizabeth and Mark Plummer.
From Boyle County: Cecily Allen, a student at Danville High School whose parents are Susan and Mark Allen; Nicholas Fedorka, a student at Boyle County High School whose parents are Suzanne and Thomas Fedorka; Mary Spraggs, a student at Danville High School whose parents are Linda and Richard Spraggs.
From Breckinridge County: William Hawley, a student at Frederick Fraize High School whose parents are Lisa and William Hawley Jr.
From Bullitt County: Erica Johnson, a student at North Bullitt High School whose parents are Sheila and Nathan Johnson; Justin Johnson, a student at North Bullitt High School whose parents are Karen and Robert Johnson.
From Butler County: Alonna Ballinger, a student at Butler County High School whose parents are Denise and Thomas Ballinger.
From Carroll County: Linda Cruz, a student at Carroll County High School whose parents are Luz Maria Cruz and Guillermo Tepetate.
From Carter County: John Anthony Biechele-Speziale, a student at East Carter County High School whose parents are Sherri Speziale and Jennifer Biechele.
From Christian County: Tyler Powell, a student at Christian County High School whose parents are Melissa and Donald Powell; Kathleen Bell, a home school student whose parents are Annette and David Bell.
From Cumberland County: Gabriel Smith, a student at Cumberland County High School whose parents are Fran and Greg Smith.
From Daviess County: Dixa Patel, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Jyotsana and Harish Patel; Madison Preece, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Denise and Kevin Preece.
From Elliott County: Barry Blair, a student at Elliott County High School whose parents are Melanie and Barry Blair.
From Estill County: Natascha Richardson, a student at Estill County High School whose parents are Antje and Carlos Ray Richardson II; Matthew Ruffner, a student at Madison Southern High School whose parents are Gwen Heffner and Robert Ruffner.
From Fayette County: Samuel Dong, a student at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School whose parents are Lin Qiong Fan and Mao Fei Dong; Lauren Shields, a student at Tates Creek High School whose parents are Stacy and Anthony Shields; Ethan Smith, a student at Tates Creek High School whose parents are Trish and Mike Smith; Alexandra Sunnenberg, a student at Henry Clay High School whose parent is Janet Sunnenberg.
From Floyd County: Wade Vierheller, a student at Piarist School whose parents are Chenzhao and Thomas Vierheller.
From Franklin County: Garrett Barnes, a student at Franklin County High School whose parents are Anita and Rodney Barnes; Sibi Rajendran, a student at Franklin County High School whose parents are Preetha and Narayanan Rajendran.
From Greenup County: Catherine Sloas, a student at East Carter County High School whose parents are Kitty and Larry Sloas; Henry Uradu, a student at Russell High School whose parents are Rose Uradu and Onyemauche Opara.
From Hardin County: Katherine Corcoran, a student at Bethlehem High School whose parents are Donna Wilson and Thomas Corcoran; Nathaniel Serpico, a student at Elizabethtown High School whose parents Pam and Ralph Serpico.
From Hart County: Riley Askins, a student at Hart County High School whose parents are Deborah Flint and Wayne Askins; Leslie Wilson, a student at Hart County High School whose parents are Patricia and Paul Wilson.
From Henderson County: Ellen Green, a student at Henderson County Senior High School whose parents are Michelle and Todd Green; Alison Jones, a student at Henderson County Senior High School whose parent is Dana Jones.
From Hopkins County: Roxanne Coburn, a student at Hopkins County Central High School whose parents are Lesley and Charles Coburn Jr.; Chiraag Kapadia, a student at Madisonville North Hopkins High School whose parents are Maya and Deepak Kapadia.
From Jefferson County: Lindsey Burke, a student at Louisville Male High School whose parents are Deborah and William Burke.
From Jessamine County: Noah Dixon, a student at West Jessamine High School whose parents are Karen and Charles Dixon.
From Kenton County: Miranda Cruse, a student at Simon Kenton High School whose parents are Penny and Brian Cruse.
From Lincoln County: Meghan Hall, a student at Lincoln County High School whose parent is Becky Eubanks.
From Logan County: Charvinia Detton Kesi Amira Neblett, a student at Russellville High School whose parents are Marvinia Jetton Benton-Neblett and Charles Delbert Neblett.
From Marion County: Anna Hamilton, a student at Bardstown High School whose parents are Mary and Charles Hamilton Jr.
From Mason County: Duncan Wood, a student at Mason County High School whose parents are Patricia and Stockton Wood.
From McCracken County: Eileen Doan, a student at Lone Oak High School whose parent is Minh Doan; Emily Gordon, a student at Lone Oak High School whose parents are Gina Gordon and Kenneth Gordon.
From Meade County: Leah Cannady, a student at Meade County High School whose parents are Leona and Jeff Cannady; Meaghan Dunn, a student at Meade County High School whose parents are Anita and James Dunn.
From Menifee County: William Roach-Barrette, a student at Menifee County High School whose parents are Rebecca Roach and Randy Barrette.
From Montgomery County: Wayne Schmitt, a student at Montgomery County High School whose parents are Donna Cockrell and Hermann Schmitt.
From Muhlenberg County: David Brown, a student at Muhlenberg County High School whose parents are Paula and Gregory Brown.
From Nelson County: Miranda Parrish, a student at Bardstown High School whose parents are Ramona and Charles Parrish.
From Nicholas County: Lara Johanna van der Heiden, a student at Nicholas County High School whose parents are Kim and Arie van der Heiden.
From Oldham County: Richard Cockerell, a student at Trinity High School whose parents are Susan and Tray Cockerell; Thomas Seibold, a student at South Oldham High School whose parents are Kay and Dave Seibold.
From Shelby County: Matthew Gonazelz, a student at Rockcastle County High School whose parents are Wanda and Stephen Burdine.
From Shelby County: Samuel Saarinen, a student at Shelby County High School whose parents are Anne and Timothy Saarinen.
From Simpson County: Jeet Parekh, a student at Franklin-Simpson High School whose parents are Varsha and Ambarish Parekh.
From Spencer County: Adrian Gregory, a student at Spencer County High School whose parents are Amy and Ronald Gregory.
From Taylor County: Jonathan Bailey, a student at Taylor County High School whose parents are Vicky and Charles Bailey.
From Todd County: William Johnson III, a student at Heritage Christian Academy whose parents are Delinda and William Ejner Johnson Jr.; Melissa Smith, a student at Todd County Central High School whose parents are Rita and James Smith.
From Union County: Elizabeth Gatten, a student at Union County High School whose parents are Meg and Donald Gatten.
From Wolfe County: Mamie Caldwell, a student at Wolfe County High School whose parents are Paula and Omer Caldwell.
From Warren County: Meredith Doughty, a student at Greenwood High School whose parents are Valerie Lyons and Robert Doughty; Ryan Gott, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Ellen and Tim Gott; Eva Gray-Jennings, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Judith Gray and Brian Jennings; Alec Minnicks, a student at Warren Central High School whose parents are Janice and Chris Minnicks; Aaron Tagliaboschi, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Jennifer and Louis Tagliaboschi.
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (270) 745-2971 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
September 28, 2010 | Admissions, News, WKU | No Comments
Representatives of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU will conduct a series informational meetings for high school students and their parents as well as interested community members across the state this fall.
Students may RSVP to attend the sessions online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com.
The Gatton Academy is a residential program for 120 high school juniors and seniors from Kentucky who have demonstrated talent and interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. To date, the Gatton Academy has admitted students from 95 counties across the Commonwealth.
Students apply during their sophomore year through a competitive admissions process.
Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, students graduate high school in addition to having earned at least 60 college credit hours. Housing, tuition, and meals are provided at no cost to ensure this opportunity is available to all qualifying students.
The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky.
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.
Highland Heights/Northern Kentucky (RSVP Online to Attend)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Student Union, Room 104
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Campus Map and Driving Directions (external link)
Hopkinsville (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Community Room
2000 Harrison St.
Hopkinsville, KY 42241
London (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
South Laurel High School Library
201 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
Paducah (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
McCracken County Board of Education
Building 7 Training Room
435 Berger Road
Paducah, KY 42003
Morehead (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Doran University Center, Room 301
Morehead State University
150 University Blvd.
Morehead, KY 40351
Link to Campus Map (external link)
Ashland (RSVP Online to Attend)
Monday, October 25, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Teleconference Room, Ashland Community and Technical College
1400 College Dr.
Ashland, KY 41101
Mount Washington/Bullitt County (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Bullitt East High School Library
11450 Highway 44 East
Mt. Washington, KY 40047
Somerset (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
6:30 p.m. (EST)
Pulaski County High School Auditorium
511 University Dr.
Somerset, KY 42503
Mayfield (RSVP Online to Attend)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
6:00 p.m. (CDT)
Graves County High School Library
1107 Housman St.
Mayfield, KY 42066
Prestonsburg (RSVP Online to Attend)
Monday, November 1, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
East Kentucky Science Center
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
7 Bert Combs Dr.
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Hazard (RSVP Online to Attend)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. (EST)
Meeting Room, Guest House Inn
192 Corporate Drive
Hazard, KY 41701
August 2, 2010 | Admissions, News, People, Staff | No Comments
by Corey Alderdice, Assistant Director for Admissions and Public Relations
Activity is picking back up here in Schneider Hall as the full staff returns this morning for the start of a new year. Things are also picking up in the admissions office (read: my office) as well. Every year we seem to get a little faster with our work of admitting the next group of students. Even though the Class of 2012 has yet to arrive on campus, I’m excited to officially announce the availability of the admissions application for the Gatton Academy Class of 2013!
Step-by-step instructions for applying are available via the Admissions page of the Gatton Academy website. The page will walk you through each part of the admissions application and process. For the moment, though, I’d like to call your attention to five updates and changes for the Class of 2013.
1. The deadline for submission of all admissions materials is February 1, 2011.
With an earlier start this year, we have decided to roll the calendar back two weeks for the admissions deadline. The new deadline will provide our admissions committee with the necessary time to devote to each student’s application. Notifications for the interview phase will still be sent by email no later than March 1, 2011.
2. We have revised our policy to allow students with a minimum ACT-Math score of 22 or SAT-Math score of 520 to apply.
The average ACT-Math and Composite scores for incoming students at the Gatton Academy remains 29. Our research shows that 26 is a competitive score that greatly increases the likelihood of a student’s success in the program. However, we have also witnessed students with scores between 22 and 24 be highly successful in the program. The difference is the commitment and work ethic these students possess. Because many students will be in the midst of Algebra II when taking this ACT later this year, we certainly want to account for that with our minimum test score.
3. Essay question four is brand new.
I’m most excited about this change. The University of Chicago is famous for the questions on their “Uncommon App.” What’s great about their questions is that it provides students with an opportunity to be creative, think outside the box, and write on something beyond very traditional admissions questions. We think question four provides a variety of opportunities for exploration while allowing the admissions comittee to see students’ thought processes in a very different way. Check out the question below.
The Center for Disease Control has reported a zombie outbreak with a confirmed Patient Zero in the city of Bowling Green, Kentucky. From the position of Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, base commander at Fort Knox, or Chief of Medicine at the Bowling Green Medical Center, develop an immediate action plan to deal with the outbreak.
4. We’ve added an optional “Video Essay” to the application.
Maturity, personality, and individuality are traits that are common among all Gatton Academy students. Grades, essays, and letters of recommendation do not always demonstrate the level of creativity, ingenuity, and talent among our student body. In order to better appreciate applicants as individuals, candidates are invited to submit a video of no more than two minutes in length for the Admissions Committee to review. Videos may be either edited or unedited. For students who do not have access to the technology to do this, we will have stations set up on Interview Day. We hope that you’ll really wow us with your entries.
5. Students now must submit a minimum of two and no more than four letters of recommendation.
Over the last few years, we’ve realized the most fruitful information comes from the letters of recommendation from your math or science teacher as well the counselor, principal, or community leader. Acquiring these letters of recommendation can often be a challenge for sophomores as they have yet to establish a connection a rapport with a variety of teachers. With that in mind, students only must submit the two required letters, though you have the opportunity to provide us with up to two more letters from the persons of your choice.
Excited? We sure are!
Don’t forget to RSVP to attend a Preview Weekend this fall on campus. Preview Weekends are great opportunity to get to know the students, parents, and staff who truly make the Gatton Academy an “Atypical High School.” We’ll also conduct a series of Information Sessions throughout the state later this fall. We’ll share more details as those dates become available.
Until then, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the admissions process or the Gatton Academy!