Tag Archive : Gatton Academy

/ Gatton Academy

Gatton Academy Preview Days

August 27, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike] The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is pleased to announce its Preview Days for Fall 2012 and Winter 2013. Middle and high school students and their families are invited to attend Preview Days to tour Schneider Hall, speak with Gatton Academy students, their parents, and staff while experiencing life within the Gatton Academy community. The followings days are scheduled Preview Days:

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Please RSVP online at gattonacademy.eventbrite.com or by telephoning 270-745-6565.

Read More
By Gatton Academy

11 Gatton Academy Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

September 15, 2010 | Academics, News, Student Success | No Comments

Nearly 20% of Gatton Academy seniors have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor which potentially opens the door college scholarship opportunities.  In all, 11 members of the Class of 2011 will go on to the next round of the competition.

Over 1.5 million students in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  Students are tested in math, critical reasoning, and writing.  The 16,000 Semifinalists honored are the highest-scoring entrants in their state and represent less than 1 percent of each state’s high school seniors.

For these Gatton Academy seniors, it’s a great way to begin their final year of high school even as they focus on the college admissions process ahead.  According to Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott, this is just the beginning of a busy—and rewarding—year.

“With this recognition, these students have earned a key that will open tremendous educational opportunities,” Gott said. “We look forward to seeing what these students will accomplish in the days ahead.”

To be considered in the rigorous competition for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by meeting additional standard and fulfilling several requirements.  These include having a record of very high academic performance of college preparatory course work, submitting SAT scores that confirm PSAT performance, and being fully endorsed and recommended by a high school official.

Gatton Academy students honored in the program are recognized through their sending high school.  Since students take the qualifying PSAT exam in October of their junior year of high school, much of the preparation stems from learning opportunities during their freshman and sophomore years of high school.  The Gatton Academy builds on those experiences to provide students with a robust application and preparation for the SAT, a critical component in becoming a finalist.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a National Merit semifinalist,” Gott said. “These remarkable young people have been strongly prepared by their home high schools and the Gatton Academy is privileged to be able to contribute to the ongoing education of these outstanding students.”

2011 Gatton Academy National Merit Semifinalists:
Michael Bowie  (Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Fayette County)
Katherine Goebel  (Shelby County High School, Shelby County)
Justine Missik  (Boyle County High School, Boyle County)
Tejas Sangoi  (Daviess County High School, Daviess County)
Tyler Scaff  (Oldham County High School, Oldham County)
Natalie Schieber  (Elizabethtown High School, Hardin County)
Sarah Schrader  (Greenwood High School, Warren County)
Jonathan Serpico  (Elizabethtown High School, Hardin County)
Josh Song  (Bowling Green High School, Warren County)
Paras Vora  (Daviess County High School, Daviess County)
Kelsey Wagner  (Bullitt East High School, Bullitt County)

Finalists will be named in winter 2011.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

Read More
By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Named to Newsweek’s “Public Elites” for the Second Consecutive Year

June 14, 2010 | News, Student Success, WKU | No Comments

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has been named to Newsweek’s list of “Public Elite” American high schools for the second consecutive year.

Each spring, Newsweek recognizes the top 6 percent of public schools as measured by the Challenge Index ratio devised by Washington Post Education Columnist Jay Mathews. The ratio is based, in part, on the number of Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate tests taken by all students at a school in the previous year divided by the number of graduating seniors.   This year, Newsweek recognized 1,600 schools from across the country.

The Challenge Index is designed to recognize schools that challenge average students. Top-performing schools, such as The Gatton Academy, were excluded from the regular list of well-performing high schools because of their exceptional quality and remarkably talented student bodies.  Specialized schools are, instead, acknowledged by The Public Elites.

Though 16 Kentucky high schools appear on Newsweek’s traditional list of top-performing high schools, Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of the Gatton Academy, noted the Gatton Academy is the only Kentucky high school to have been recognized as a member of The Public Elites.  Roberts also added the Gatton Academy is one of the youngest institutions to appear on the list.

“How outstanding for a program as young as the Gatton Academy to make the Newsweek list of the Public Elites among public high school schools in America for a second year,” Roberts said.  “This recognition reflects entirely upon the dedication of the staff at the Gatton Academy and the outstanding students from across the Commonwealth who participate in research  and advanced classes as well as international experiences and service learning opportunities.  People across the Commonwealth and beyond can share pride in this wonderful recognition for the Gatton Academy.”

The Gatton Academy once again finds itself among the nation’s 20 most distinguished high schools.  Schools such as the Bergen County Academies (New Jersey), Illinois Math Science Academy, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and Thomas Jefferson High School (Virginia) make perennial appearances on the list.  These schools, along with the Gatton Academy, are members of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).

According to Tim Gott, the Gatton Academy’s director and NCSSSMST board member, the Commonwealth’s future leaders and innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have already begun to distinguish themselves among peers across the nation through sharing research at the consortium’s student research symposium and Keystone National Youth Policy Summit.

“The Gatton Academy has been extremely fortunate to be involved with NCSSSMST peer institutions,” Gott said. “This incredible network of over 200 schools and affiliates creates a strong professional community that provides a collective wisdom on STEM education that cannot be duplicated.  Serving on the board and co-hosting the most recent professional conference has provided us the opportunity to participate and contribute on a national stage.  This experience has been invaluable in guiding our work at Gatton Academy.”

Newsweek’s recognition drew attention to the strategic partnership between the Gatton Academy and WKU, which facilitates all coursework for academy students.  As part of the rigorous curriculum, students earn more than 60 hours of college credit during their four semesters in the program while also earning a high school diploma.

“One of the reasons for our early success is the outstanding partnership we have with WKU,” Gott said.  “Integrating into the college curriculum available on campus allows our students to have a rigorous and relevant learning environment with professors and instructors who are experts in their disciplines and leaders in a vast array of research fields.  WKU, across the board, has made every resource available so Gatton Academy students can truly expand and enrich their educational experience while making significant contributions to academic and student life on campus.”

Though particular attention is given to the academy, Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, said the Gatton Academy is an educational partnership encompassing districts across the state.

“We are humbled to find ourselves among the nation’s most prestigious high schools once more,” Alderdice said.  “However, it’s not an accomplishment we celebrate alone.  Such recognition is born out of previous and present commitment and dedication of parents, educators and administrators in our students’ local districts.”

Since the program’s inception in 2007, students have been admitted from 95 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.  In all, students from over 100 public high schools across the state have enrolled in the program.

“We believe this program and accomplishment is something all Kentucky educators have ownership in and can celebrate,” Alderdice said.

More WKU news is available at http://www.wku.edu/news/index.html and http://wkunews.wordpress.com/.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.

Read More
By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Students Engaged in a Variety of Activities this Summer

June 8, 2010 | Academics, Alumni, International, News, People, Research, WKU | No Comments

While many high school students and graduates are spending their summer getting ready for college or enjoying weeks on the beach, Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky students and recent alumni will spend the coming weeks academically engaged, building off their experiences at the Gatton Academy.

Over half of the current Academy students and recent alumni have current plans to participate in an academic or career exploration during the months of June, July, and August that will take place across the world.  Derick Strode, the Academy’s coordinator for research, internships, and scholarships expressed both the geography and educational experiences of these students will be wide-ranging.

“This summer, Gatton Academy students’ plans range from internships in their own Kentucky backyards to research experiences than span from the east coast to adventures abroad,” Strode said.  “Gatton Academy students will be on several continents this summer, collecting experiences that will propel them to higher achievements.”

Summer time research projects and internships are important educational experience facilitated by the Gatton Academy because it allows student to explore a possible career field while staying active academically.

“Our students have the chance to experience research for a summer with the guidance of a professional researcher,” Strode said.  “They have the opportunity to shadow the inner-workings of a professional in the field the student plans to work.  These practical experiences allow our students a glimpse into the realities of their own personal goals, forcing them to question and answer whether the career they have in mind for themselves truly fits.”

“The Gatton Academy’s curriculum is designed for the ultimate challenge during the academic year,” Strode said.  “Likewise, we ask our students to consider doing more with their summers than your typical student.  By completing summer time projects, the door is metaphorically opened for our students as they apply for colleges, scholarships, and we expect eventually in their career searches.”

Summer 2010 experiences include:

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs):

From South Dakota to Michigan to Kentucky, nine Gatton Academy students will be participating in full-summer REU programs this year.  REUs are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and offer students full-summer research opportunities with travel, food, and lodging provided as well as a generous stipend.  Nationwide, only 5.1% of REU applicants are admitted into a program, making REUs one of the most prestigious and selective of summertime opportunities.

REU in Information Assurance Security (Cybersecurity), Dakota State University, Madison, SD

  • Sean Karlage (’10), of Edgewood

REU at the Space Physics Research Laboratory within the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Sarah “Katie” Brown (’10), of Taylorsville

REU Mammoth Cave/Upper Green River Watershed Project at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

  • Sydney Combs (’11), of London
  • Zachary Laux (’11), of Elizabethtown
  • Sean Freeman (’11), of Hebron
  • Katherine Rush (’10), of Frankfort

REU in Investigative Biotechnology at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

  • James “Zac” Forshee (’10), of Franklin
  • Alexander Hare (’10), of Morehead
  • Margaret Matheny (’10), of Ashland

International Research Experiences for Scientists:

Two students have been selected to participate in an NSF International Research Experiences for Scientists program at the National Chung Hsing University in Taichung, Taiwan.  This program, on the same level as an REU, offers students fully paid travel to Taiwan, food, lodging, and a stipend.

Opto-Electronic Polymer Laboratory, National Chung Hsing University, with Dr. Ru-Jong Jeng

  • Camille Turner (’11), of Radcliff

Membrane Separation Technology Laboratory, National Chung Hsing University, with Dr. Shing Yi Suen

  • Kia Allen (’11), of Georgetown

DAAD RISE Program (Germany):

Rebecca Brock (’10) of Rineyville has been selected for the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (German Academic Exchange Service) Research Internships in Science and Engineering (DAAD RISE) program in Brunswick, Germany.   She will be doing biochemical research involving gold complexes.  She will be synthesizing gold complexes and testing their effects biologically.  Rebecca will receive pay from the DAAD at 650 Euro per month this summer, as well as health insurance, a paid trip to Heidelberg, and a Rail Pass for travel in Germany.

EarthWatch Student Challenge Awards Program:

Clarice Esch (’11) of Somerset has been accepted into the prestigious EarthWatch Institute’s Student Challenge Awards Program.  She will be a part of a research team traveling to Cook’s Lake Reserve in Nova Scotia, Canada to perform research on the mammals of Nova Scotia.  Clarice’s award includes full travel expenses, food, and lodging for her trip to Nova Scotia.

WKU Chinese Language Flagship Study Abroad:

Three Gatton Academy students will be traveling to Chongqing, China this summer for an eight-week, intensive language study abroad trip with the WKU Chinese Language Flagship program.  Students will earn 12 hours of college credit for the academic work they will complete as part of the July and August trip.

  • Jason Ludden (’10), of Columbia
  • Jared Mink (’10), of East Bernstadt
  • Sarah Schrader (’11), of Bowling Green

Gatton Academy Research Internship Grant recipients:

Eleven rising seniors were chosen to receive Gatton Academy Research Internship Grants (RIG) from the Gatton Academy to support research work this summer.  The 2010 RIG recipients and their research locations and projects are:

  • Derek Fox (’11), of Alexandria, will be researching artificial intelligence with Dr. Jeffrey Ward at Northern Kentucky University’s Department of Computer Science.
  • Victoria Gilkison (’11), of Lawrenceburg, will be working with Dr. Monte McGregor at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Center for Mollusk Conservation in Frankfort, KY.  Torie will be studying the relationship of aquatic plants to existing water quality in streams and rivers and the resulting influence on the distribution of rare aquatic species.
  • Benjamin Howard (’11), of Morehead, will be working with Dr. Richard Schugart of the WKU Department of Mathematics and Computer Science on a mathematical research approach to a wound healing project.
  • Shelby Martin (’11), of Mt. Washington, will be working with Carly Sinderbrand and Dr. Bruce Schulte of WKU’s Department of Biology, assisting with a research project on the dominance-stress hypothesis in horse behavior.
  • David McChesney (’11), of Danville, will perform research with Dr. Seth DeBolt of the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture at the Agriculture Science Center North in Lexington, studying cellulose synthase in plant proteins.
  • Justine Missik (’11), of Danville, will be working on a research project with Dr. Stuart Campbell of the Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN.  Justine’s project will be on the development of a user interface tool for analysis of protein dynamics using Quasi-elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS).  Along with her award, Justine will also be spending a few days of her summer participating in the Sante Fe Institute’s course on Exploring Complexity in Science and Technology in Portland, OR.
  • Michael Phillips (’11), of Benton, will work with Dr. Matthew Nee of the WKU Department of Chemistry.  Michael will be coding and testing a computational kinetic model for the reactions following aqueous nitrate photolysis.
  • Sarah Schrader (’11) of Bowling Green, will perform bacteriophage research with Dr. Rodney King of the WKU Department of Biology.
  • Won Suk “Josh” Song (’11) of Bowling Green, will do research with Dr. Kane Jennings of the Vanderbilt University Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.  Josh’s research will be on surface properties of polymer films and will be titled “Responsive, Superhydrophobic Coatings.”
  • Courtney Vance (’11), of Williamstown, will work with Carly Sinderbrand and Dr. Bruce Schulte of WKU’s Department of Biology.  Courtney will be assisting with a research project on the dominance-stress hypothesis in horse behavior.
  • Tina Stottman (’11), of Louisville, will be doing research with Dr. Kathryn Saatman at the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center.  Tina will be assisting with a research project on lessening cell damage in traumatic brain injuries.

NCSSSMST Research Symposium:

Four Gatton Academy students will be presenting research this summer at the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST) Research Symposium at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.  From June 6-9, these students will join 96 other students from across the country to share their research work through oral and poster presentations.  Gatton Academy representatives and their presentation titles are:

  • Clarice Esch (’11), of Somerset, will present “Is Collema sp., a Gelatinous Lichen, a Sustainable Source of Nitrogen for Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Production?”
  • Desiree “Taylor” Harbin (’11), of Fairfield, will present “Nature’s Cabin: Altering the Design Process to Create a Sustainable Home”
  • Tyler Scaff (’11), of LaGrange, will present “The Phage and I: Isolating and Purifying a Bacteriophage and Annotating its Genome”
  • Natalie Schieber (’11), of Elizabethtown, will present “The Effect of Composition and Temperature on the Photolysis of Aqueous Nitrate Solution”


National Youth Policy Summit:

Four Gatton Academy students will be participating in the National Youth Policy Summit at the Keystone Science Center in Keystone, CO.  This year’s summit on Energy Innovation will take place from June 13 – 19 and will bring together 40 of the brightest students from across the nation to come up with a proposal of policy solutions to the world’s energy needs.  The following Gatton Academy students will participate:

  • Anthony Bates (’11) of Walton
  • Katie Goebel (’11) of Simpsonville
  • Jake Moore (’11) of Crittenden
  • Suzanne VanArsdall (’11) of Frankfort

Governor’s Scholar Program:

Four rising Gatton Academy seniors will be attending the Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Program this summer.  These students are:

  • Gabrielle Fisher (’11) of Cynthiana
  • Tejas Sangoi (’11) of Owensboro
  • Tyler Scaff (’11) of LaGrange
  • Dana Wheeler (’11) of Louisville

Other Notable Summer Experiences:

Thomas Choate, a graduating senior from Bowling Green, will be doing research with Dr. Robert Choate of the WKU Department of Engineering.  Thomas’ project will center on themography and building weatherization.  He will be presenting his research at the InfraMation 2010 – Thermographer’s Conference in Las Vegas in November.

Michelle Compton, a graduating senior from Ashland, will be working with Dr. M.J. Wixsom at Guardian Animal Hospital in Ashland.

Amy Cordero, a graduating senior from Pikeville, will be taking classes through the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Manuel Cortez, a graduating senior from Symsonia, will be observing Dr. James K. Turnbo and working at the Lone Oak Pharmacy in Paducah.

Thomas Delomas, a graduating senior from Lexington, will be taking classes through the University of Washington in Seattle.

Leah Frazier, a graduating senior from Russell, will be working as a Laboratory Technician at Brooks Eyecare in Greenup.

Lori Froedge, a graduating senior from Tompkinsville, will be working as a Teaching Assistant for the Center for Gifted Studies’ VAMPY (Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth) camp.

Emily Hall, a graduating senior from Nicholasville, will be returning this summer to Dr. Kathryn Saatman’s lab at the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center in Lexington to conduct research.    Emily will be studying the traumatic brain injury of mice models with the
hope of finding proteins that inhibit cell death.

Justin Jatczak, a graduating senior from Hopkinsville, will be doing research with Dr. Kathryn Saatman of the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center in Lexington.

Jordan Jones, a graduating senior from Ft. Wright, will be return to the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory in Newport for her second summer.  Jordan will be performing research in the cell culture
lab, working on finding a connection between two proteins that may be linked in cancer-signaling
pathways.

Holly Mitchell, a graduating senior from Salvisa, will participate in two writing workshops this summer in Iowa City, IA (the Iowa Young Writers Studio) and in Amherst, MA (the Juniper Institute for Young Writers).

Rohith Palli, a graduating senior from Lexington, will be doing research with Drs. John Rinehart and Michael Fried at the University of Kentucky’s Medical Biophysics Laboratory.  Rohith will work to improve fluorescent tags on proteins and examine the improved tags’ effectiveness.

Savannah Price, a graduating senior from Louisville, will be volunteering at the Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville.

Sarah Pritchett, a graduating senior from Winchester, will be volunteering with the Student Conservation Association for the second straight summer.  This summer, she will be a part of a trail crew in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Sean Stopher, a graduating senior from Louisville, will be doing a STEM-industry job at P.T. Hutchins in Louisville.  Sean will be working with chemists to develop new products for the paint and coatings industry on a commercial consulting basis.

Nowelle Altman, a first-year student from Somerset, will be doing research with Dr. Steven Wininger of the WKU Department of Psychology.  Nowelle plans to make a compendium of documented effective reading strategies and find the empirical evidence to support those strategies.  This work will be applied to her research project next academic year with Dr. Wininger.

Kevin Andrew, a first-year student from Bowling Green, will be doing research on programming and iPhone development.

Claci Ayers, a first-year student from Bowling Green, will be volunteering as a part of the STriVe- Summer Teens Volunteer program at the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

Anthony Bates, a first-year student from Walton, will be shadowing an optometrist at Wing Eye Care in Florence.

Anthony Bombik, a first-year student from Union, will be participating in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Advanced Space Academy in Huntsville, AL.  He will also be taking a class through WKU this summer and doing research with Dr. Claus Ernst of the WKU Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Corban Coffman, a first-year student from Lexington, will be participating in the three-week Summer Intensive theatre training program offered through the Kentucky Classical Theatre Conservatory in Lexington.

Gabrielle Fisher, a first-year student from Cynthiana, will travel to Washington, DC with Bluegrass Electric as a part of the Washington Youth Tour.

Katie Goebel, a first-year student from Simpsonville, will be shadowing at a veterinary clinic.

Desiree “Taylor” Harbin, a first-year student from Fairfield, will be participating in a Materials Science Camp at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Leah Hayden, a first-year student from Corydon, will be participating in a professional shadowing experience.

Andrew Kenady, a first-year student from Woodburn, will be attending the DigiPen Institute’s two-week Video Game Development Level 3 workshop in Redmond, Washington.

Madeline Lauzon, a first-year student from Owensboro, will be attending the 2010 Thespian Festival in Lincoln, NE.  She will also be volunteering with the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro this summer.

Jae Lee, a first-year student from Hopkinsville, will be volunteering at the Jenny Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville.  Specific department or doctors?

Jake Moore, a first-year student from Crittenden, will be participating in the Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, MD.

Michael Phillips, a first-year student from Benton, will participate in the Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, MD this summer in addition to his research at WKU.

Tyler Scaff, a first-year student from LaGrange, will also spend a part of his summer job shadowing at Baptist Northeast Hospital in LaGrange.

Shelby Stephens, a first-year student from Tompkinsville, will be shadowing…

Sarah Tariq, a first-year student from Ashland, will be volunteering at the King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland.

Jessica Thornsberry, a first-year student from Louisa, will be participating in the Robinson Scholars Program Writers’ Workshop at the University of Kentucky.

Miller Travis, a first-year student from Glasgow, will be working on a research project with the Electric Plant Board of Glasgow.  He will also be taking a class through WKU.

Suzanne VanArsdall, a first-year student from Frankfort, will be volunteering in South Africa through the Projects Abroad organization.  Suzanne will be working with a human rights lawyer, interviewing abandoned and abused children for two weeks.  She will live with a host family.

Benjamin Venable, a first-year student from LaGrange, will participate in several leadership conferences and institutes, including the Youth Governor’s Conference at George Washington University in Washington, DC, the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is held at theYMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC, and the Kentucky YMCA Youth Conference’s Leadership Training Conference in Jabez.

Paras Voras, a first-year student from Owensboro, will perform cancer research and shadow under Dr. Kishor Vora at the Owensboro Cancer Center.

Kelsey Wagner, a first-year student from Taylorsville, will be shadowing a veterinary at the Louisville Metro Animal Services’ Animal Care Center.

Celia Whelan, a first-year student from Bardstown, will perform this summer with the The Stephen Foster Story musical in Bardstown.

Read More
By Corey Alderdice

Full Video: Gatton Academy Third Annual Commencement (2010)

May 15, 2010 | Alumni, News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Success, Video, WKU | No Comments

Gatton Academy Third Annual Commencement (2010) from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

Celebration of Commencement Weekend at Western Kentucky University continued on Saturday as The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its third graduating class of high school seniors.

Fifty-one students representing 37 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized during the ceremony at the newly renovated Van Meter Auditorium. The ceremony not only celebrated the significant accomplishments of the program and its graduates over the last two years but also looked toward the infinite possibilities ahead.

Gatton Academy Executive Director Dr. Julia Roberts expressed the day’s events were both a celebration of the Class of 2010’s personal accomplishments and a starting point toward their work of creating a better Kentucky.

“Kentucky’s future is brighter today because you are graduates of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science,” Roberts said. “What wonderful contributions you will make in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering and technology. I look forward to hearing about your leadership in STEM fields in Kentucky and beyond in the not-so-distant future.”

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell lauded not only the graduates’ academic accomplishments but also the instruction they have received in becoming better leaders.

“I hope you’ve understood those lessons and values that allow you to command leadership positions,” he said. “And I hope you take with you the motto of this university: The spirit makes the master. I hope wherever you may go, that path leads back to Kentucky.”

Chris Guthrie, President of Trace Die Cast, Inc., delivered the commencement address. Guthrie also encouraged the graduates to enjoy a wide variety of life experiences; however, he advised them to make a difference in their state.

“We have a great state, and I challenge you to see more of it,” he said. “When the time comes to start your business, your medical practice or research institute, come back to Kentucky. We need your talent. Go out and experience great things and come back and help us build a better Commonwealth.”

Over the past two years, Gatton Academy students have taken advanced coursework in mathematics, science and other subjects at WKU in fulfillment of high school requirements and the Gatton Academy curriculum. In all, students have each earned more than 60 hours of college credit.

Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott shared his gratitude with attending faculty members for their role in making the program’s learning environment a challenging and rewarding experience for students.

“Of the many things these students have pursued, one particular area of significance is the opportunity to conduct research,” Gott said. “Many of the faculty with us today have mentored these students as they explored new techniques in chemistry, environmental issues in geography and geology, unknown frontiers in astronomy and physics, potential medical breakthroughs in biology, life-enhancing concepts in engineering and unique applications in math and computer science. Those who engaged in these research projects have truly brought relevance to the rigor.”

Three out of five graduates participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members. Research accomplishments include WKU’s second Department of Defense SMART scholarship recipient, a student presentation before the Keystone Center’s National Energy Board, and a DAAD RISE scholarship winner.

Anna Walter, a graduating senior from Burlington, reflected upon her experience as an Academy student and the potential she and her classmates have to affect global change.

“The Academy has given us the opportunities we need not only to succeed in our chosen fields but also to excel in them by providing that extra little push to go from ordinary to the extraordinary,” she said. “It is that little extra that distinguishes the leaders from the followers, the innovators from the reproducers and the great from the average.”

In pursuit of those academic and personal goals, three out of five graduates plan to attend Kentucky higher education institutions with 8 continuing their studies at WKU.

In the fall of 2010, representatives from the graduating class will attend 20 schools across the United States: Belmont University; Cornell University; Georgia Institute of Technology; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Morehead State University; Mount Holyoke College; Princeton University; Purdue University; Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Stanford University; Transylvania University; Union University; University of Chicago; University of Delaware; University of Kentucky; University of Louisville; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Washington; Vanderbilt University and Western Kentucky University.

Four-year scholarships totaling more than $10.3 million were offered to the graduating class, while more than $3.5 million in four-year scholarships were accepted.

Twelve members of the senior class were named Kentucky Governor’s Scholars. Ten members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists. In all, seniors completed a total of 1,948 hours of community service during their time at the Gatton Academy.

“These students have taken the most rigorous curriculum offered to any high school student in the nation,” Gott said. “They left the comfort of home and established a level of independence that will impact their lives forever. They have forged new friendships which will grow exponentially in the years to come. They have given themselves in community service throughout the state inspiring younger students, building new homes and expanding awareness of the opportunities in math and science. They will become the leaders of this great Commonwealth.”

Ryne Weiss, a graduating senior from Richmond, explained the role that students’ families, both genetic and created, had on their time as Academy students.

“This experience would not be possible if you didn’t have generous parents who would do the unthinkable and let you pursue the greatest academic opportunity available,” Weiss said. “Eventually, we will also see our Academy family again. They will be on the news, they will be on the cover of Nature, Popular Science or Time. We will see each other again and we will be proud, like family.”

Read More
By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Selects Class of 2012, Expands Total Enrollment to 128 Students

March 31, 2010 | Admissions, News, WKU | No Comments

Geographic distribution for students applying to the Gatton Academy Class of 2012.
Geographic distribution for students applying to the Gatton Academy Class of 2012.

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has selected 61 students for its Class of 2012.

The students in this year’s class span 38 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, 275 students began the admissions process with 125 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, 85 candidates were invited for interviews with Academy staff members and representatives from across Kentucky. In the end, 61 dynamic applicants emerged from the review process.

When faced with the talented pool of applicants, Tim Gott, the Academy’s director, knew the program needed to find a way to meet the needs of a greater number of students. Consulting with Academy staff members, a decision was made to expand the student body to 128 students beginning in fall 2010, an increase of nearly 7 percent.

Gott expects these students to continue the level of academic and personal engagement Academy students have demonstrated over the last three years.

“As we begin planning for our fourth year at the Gatton Academy, I am amazed and honored to work with such outstanding students,” Gott said. “The incoming Class of 2012 once again demonstrates the incredible caliber of students from across the Commonwealth. The depth of academic strength and emerging leadership among this group reveals that the state is making a major contribution toward meeting the demand for more professionals in the STEM fields.”

The selected students scored an average composite of 29.2 on the ACT and 29.5 on the math portion of the exam. The highest possible score is 36. The 2009 state average ACT score for graduating Kentucky high school seniors was a composite of 19.4.

“The members of the Gatton Academy’s Class of 2012 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: Boone, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Bullitt, Calloway, Campbell, Carroll, Carter, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, Graves, Hancock, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Logan, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Nelson, Oldham, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Simpson, Todd, Warren, Wayne and Whitley.

Students from eight new counties were admitted to the Gatton Academy this year.
Students from eight new counties were admitted to the Gatton Academy this year.

This year, eight counties had students admitted to the Gatton Academy for the first time: Breathitt, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Montgomery, Rockcastle, Russell and Todd.

To date, the Gatton Academy has admitted students from 95 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 which 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 2009, Newsweek magazine honored the Academy as one of 16 “Public Elite” American high schools.
More information about the Gatton Academy is available online at http://www.wku.edu/academy/.

Students selected for the Gatton Academy Class of 2012

From Boone County: John Ferguson, a student at Cooper High School whose parents are Martha Ferguson and Philip Ferguson; Samantha Hawtrey, a student at Ryle High School whose parents are Claire Hawtrey and Thomas Hawtrey; Lori Lovell, a student at Boone County High School whose parents are Sarah Lovell and Joseph Lovell; and Daniel Dilger, a student at Ryle High School whose parents are Tonya Dilger and Johannes Dilger.

From Bourbon County: Brandon Farmer, a student at Bourbon County High School whose parents are Lisa Farmer and Charles Farmer.

From Boyd County: Curtlyn Kramer, a student at Paul G. Blazer High School whose parents are Betty Rice-Kramer and Curtis Kramer; and Jessica Farrell, a student at Boyd County High School whose parents are Annette Farrell and David Farrell.

From Boyle County: Lukas Missik, a student at Boyle County High School whose parents are Christine Missik and John Missik.

From Breathitt County: Hunter Noble, a student at Breathitt County High School whose parents are Cindy Noble and Gregory Noble.

From Bullitt County: Layne Webb, a student at Bullitt East High School whose parents are Judith Webb and Kevin Webb; Alex Gutierrez, a student at Bullitt East High School whose parents are Bobbi Gutierrez and Leroy Gutierrez; and Anthony Gutierrez, a student at Bullitt East High School whose parents are Bobbi Gutierrez and Leroy Gutierrez.

From Calloway County: Hannah Miller, a student at Murray High School whose parents are Diane Miller and Jeff Miller; and Hannalore Clause, a student at Calloway County High School whose parents are Joyce Clause and Robert Clause.

From Campbell County: Lydia Clark, a student at Campbell County High School whose parents are Dawn Clark and Troy Clark.

From Carroll County: Luke Yap, a student at Carroll County High School whose parents are Tracey Yap and Winston Yap.

From Carter County: Jaymi Porter, a student at West Carter High School whose parent is Jay Porter.

From Christian County: Breck Turner, a student at Hopkinsville High School whose parents are Wendy Turner and William Turner; and Amelia Winters, a student at Christian County High School whose parents are Patrice Johnson-Winters and Tommy Winters.

From Clay County: Caroline Stivers, a student at Clay County High School whose parents are Nancy Stivers and Robert Stivers.

From Clinton County: Ellis Shelley; a student at Clinton County High School whose parent is Charlotte Shelley Bernard.

From Daviess County: William Bickett, a student at Owensboro Catholic High School whose parents are Karen Bickett and Gary Bickett; Leah Wilson, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Jean Wilson and Jeff Wilson; and Gabrielle Canant, a student at Daviess County High School whose parents are Paula Canant and Kenneth Canant.

From Graves County: Andrea Eastes, a student at Paducah-Tilghman High School whose parents are Chrissy Eastes and Jeff Eastes; and Daylynn Allison, a student from Graves County High School whose parents are Carrie Burnett and Douglas Allison.

From Hancock County: Jon Warren, a student at Hancock County High School whose parent is DiAnn Warren.

From Hardin County: Matthew Mattingly, a student from Elizabethtown High School whose parents are Jennifer Mattingly and James Mattingly; Samantha McKean, a student at Central Hardin High School whose parents are Julie McKean and John McKean; Landon Wilcox, a student from Elizabethtown High School whose parents are Angela Wilcox and Dale Wilcox; and Cameron Kispert, a student from John Hardin High School whose parents are Jeanine and Kenneth Kispert.

From Henderson County: Christian Jolly, a student from Henderson County High School whose parents are Michelle Jolly and Scott Jolly.

From Henry County: Rachel Metcalfe, a student from Eminence High School whose parents are Tina Stambaugh and Steve Metcalfe.

From Jefferson County: Taylor Leet, a student from Louisville Male High School whose parents are Tila Leet and Allen Leet.

From Jessamine County: Jesse Matherly, a student from West Jessamine High School whose parents are Cindy Matherly and Steve Matherly.

From Kenton County: Logan Eckler, a student from Ludlow High School whose parent is Donna Eckler.

From Larue County: Mary Greenwell, a student from Central Hardin High School whose parents are Neda Greenwell and Paul Greenwell.

From Laurel County: Alexandra DeCarlo, a student from South Laurel High School whose parents are Karen DeCarlo and Anthony DeCarlo.

From Logan County: Victoria Allen, a student from Logan County High School whose parent is Jennifer Allen.

From Madison County: Laura Claytor, a student from Berea Community High School whose parents are Kim Claytor and Joe Claytor.

From Mercer County: Tennesse Joyce, a student from Mercer County High School whose parents are Chantal Joyce and Tim Joyce.

From Montgomery County: Nicholas Zolman, a student from Montgomery County High School whose parents are Katherine Zolman and Mitchell Zolman.

From Nelson County: Rebecca Brown, a student at Nelson County High School whose parents are Susan Brown and Brian Brown; Charlotte Humes, a student at Nelson County High School whose parents are Suzanne Coombs and Louis Humes; and Barbara Still, a student at Nelson County High School whose parent is Arneida Harrise.

From Oldham County: Paul Fleischmann, a student at South Oldham High School whose parents are Maria Fleischmann and Randall Fleischmann.

From Pulaski County: Benjamin Rice, a student at Somerset Christian School whose parents are Jessie Rice and Richard Rice; Melanie Hurst, a student at Southwestern High School whose parents are Treba Hurst and David Hurst; and Aaron Stolze, a student Southwestern High School whose parents are Lisa Stolze and Jason Stolze.

From Rockcastle County: Caroline Green, a student at Rockcastle County High School whose parent is Christie Green.

From Russell County: William Brown, a student at Russell County High School whose parents are Karen Brown and James Brown.

From Simpson County: David Sekora, a student at Franklin-Simpson High School whose parents are Marschelle Sekora and Peter Sekora; and Joseph Tutor, a student at Franklin-Simpson High School whose parents are Tiffany Wilson and Scott Wilson.

From Todd County: Annie Wheeler, a student at Todd County Central High School whose parents are Makka Wheeler and Gerald Wheeler, III.

From Warren County: Michael Crocker, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Patricia Crocker and Scott Crocker; Austin Taing, a student at Greenwood High School whose parent is Yong Taing; Markus Ernst, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Uta Ziegler and Claus Ernst; Jordan Currie, a student at Warren Central High School whose parents are Tamara O’Nan and Christopher Currie; and Holly Morris, a student at Bowling Green High School whose parents are Cindy Morris and Tim Morris.

From Wayne County: Victoria Pulsifer, a student at Monticello High School whose parent is Kathleen Martin.

From Whitley County: Emily Croley, a student at Williamsburg High School whose parent is Debra Croley.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971

Read More
By Corey Alderdice

[Video Blog] Cody and Justin Mind Their Own Business (FBLA Business, That Is)

February 25, 2010 | News, People, Student Life, Student Success, Video | No Comments

[Video Blog] Cody and Justin Mind Their Own Business (FBLA Business, That Is) from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

Gatton Academy students participated in the 2010 Regional FBLA competition held on the WKU campus. In all, 9 students brought home trophies from the event. In this video blog, the guys discuss why business is a perfect compliment to advanced STEM learning.

Read More
By Corey Alderdice