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September 21, 2011 | Uncategorized | No Comments
November 3, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has teamed up with WKU’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability(CEES) to bring Academy students a progressive retreat opportunity focused on sustainability leadership.
Sixteen Gatton Academy students have been selected to participate in the inaugural Sustainable Leadership Retreat, which is slated for Thursday-Saturday (Nov. 4-6) at Loucon Training and Retreat Center in Leitchfield.
The mission of the retreat is to foster the development of students’ ability to be sustainability leaders who choose to engage in the process of creating transformational change with others and aimed toward building a sustainable future. Students will also enjoy outdoor activities like zip lining, hiking, canoeing, and other activities that promote teamwork and leadership.
“We’re ‘taking it up a notch’ and getting the brightest minds engage with the global urgency and opportunity for sustainable development,” said Nancy Givens, Sustainability Programs Development Coordinator with the CEES.
As co-chair of the WKU Education for Sustainability Steering Committee, Givens worked with Tim Gott, director of the Academy and a member of the committee, to begin the process to make this first sustainability leadership retreat happen for the Academy.
Also, on board from the Gatton Academy is Assistant Residential Life Coordinator Melissa Schultz. Schultz served as a graduate intern for the CEES this past summer and helped to bring the idea of a sustainability leadership retreat to life.
“Through various seminars, activities, clubs and programs, we have worked closely with academy students on developing leadership skills and making decisions with both the environment and people in mind,” Schultz said. “The retreat is an outstanding way to seamlessly connect these messages. I think the retreat will be a memorable and educational experience for everyone.”
This retreat is truly a collaborative effort as WKU staff and faculty have donated their time to share a message of leadership and sustainability.
“We hope this retreat will serve not only our students but also inspire more education across campus, state, and nation around the topic of sustainable leadership,” Schultz said.
Throughout the retreat, students will engage in various interactive discussions and activities on topics like environmental law, leadership theory in practice, building a sustainable community, and defining the meaning and practice of sustainability.
Sydney Combs, a Gatton Academy senior from London and Green Club co-president, described sustainable practices as “taking responsibility for our actions and everyday habits with the future in mind.”
Students will work to make that potential future a reality through a variety of featured workshop sessions with experts in leadership and sustainability at WKU: John Baker, Education Coordinator from the Office of Leadership Excellence; Dr. John All, Department of Geography and Geology; Christian Ryan-Downing, Sustainability Coordinator from the Office of Sustainability; Cristin Lanham, WKU Recycling Coordinator; Terry Shoemaker, Program Coordinator for the Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility; andNadia Denov De Leon, Community Engagement Coordinator of the WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships.
Also joining the roster of session leaders are members of CDP Engineering, a Kentucky enterprise committed to sustainable practices in business and industry. Lewis Newton, chief executive officer, and Scott Southall, Vice President of Landscape Architecture and Planning Group Manager, will discuss the physical manifestation of green design and explore holistic approaches to community design and redevelopment.
The Gatton Academy has sought to cultivate students’ interests in sustainability across the program’s living and learning environments. A variety of programmatic opportunities have assisted students in learning more about green initiatives while also putting those ideas into practice. The Gatton Academy Green Club has participated in a local sinkhole clean-up, reduced their waste through a “Bring Your Own Cup” program during academy social events, and piloted building-wide recycling initiatives in Schneider Hall.
Tejas Sangoi, a Gatton Academy senior from Owensboro and Green Club co-president, views the decision to adopt sustainability practices as a choice that affects not only the individual but others as well. “To me, sustainability is living a balanced life in which you only use the resources that you need so that they will be conserved for future generations,” Sangoi said. “Being a sustainable leader is important because by demonstrating and leading a sustainable lifestyle, you are inspiring others in the community to do the same.”
Contact: Melissa Schultz, (270) 745-4755.
October 12, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
On Saturday, October 16, 2010, Gatton Academy students and staff will be honored at the start of the second quarter of the WKU/Louisiana-Monroe football game.
As it happens, Saturday is also Parents’ Weekend on campus. In celebration of both events, the Academy will hold a cookout at 4 p.m. on the Schneider Hall patio. We cordially invite parents, friends, and other family members to join us for burgers, hotdogs, and the trimmings and stay for the football game.
Parking will not be available in the Schneider Hall Lot for the event. We suggest Parking Structure 1 or the lots across from Cherry Hall. A full tailgating and parking map is available at the following link:
http://parking1.wku.edu/dnn/Parking/ParkingMaps/2010TailgatingMap/tabid/154/Default.aspx
Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m. at Houchens-L.T. Smith Stadium. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $6 or in advance by telephoning 1-800-5-BIG-RED.
Parents are asked to RSVP online at http://gattonparents10.eventbrite.com no later than Noon on Thursday, October 14, 2010.
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at academy@wku.edu.
August 23, 2010 | Academics, News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Life, Students | No Comments
The 2010-11 Student Life Handbook for Gatton Academy students is now available for download. Class of 2012 students received drafts of the document earlier this week. Please review the updated copy to ensure your understanding of revisions under academic expectations, attendance, graduation requirements, and student life policies. Many components of the Handbook also apply to the Class of 2011 as well.
Students and parents should pay particular attention to the new Class Attendance and Conduct Policy as well as the Classroom Intervention Program.
Any questions regarding academic policies should be directed to the Academy Academic Coordinator April Gaskey. All questions regarding student life should be directed to Beth Hawke, Coordinator for Residence Life.
May 12, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Video | No Comments
Gatton Academy Staff Members Get Pied for a Great Cause from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.
In celebration of Gatton Academy students’ efforts to raise $1000 for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort, two staff members were kind enough to get a pie in the face. Academy students are committed to their communities and service learning both locally and abroad. We’re proud of their commitment to create a better world!
May 11, 2010 | News, People, Photos, Staff, Student Life | No Comments
April 26, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life | No Comments
by Emily Hall (’10 Jessamine)
Prom. For most high school juniors and seniors, it’s a pretty big deal.
That is no exception at the Gatton Academy. Weeks in advance girls beg to see each other’s dresses and guys struggle to find the right color for their vests. On Saturday, April 17, suites were filled with girls helping each other pin up their hair and the lobby swarmed with parents snapping pictures of girls struggling to pin a boutonniere to their date’s tux. And though we claim our prom is just like everyone else’s in reality it isn’t. It is better.
“I’d say the best part about our prom was the community of students; none of us judged each other,” noted Madeline (Mad) Lauzon (’11 Daviess). “I felt completely comfortable to dance like no one was watching. Gatton’s prom was so much more carefree than that of a regular prom. It was the most fun I’ve ever had at a school-affiliated dance and gives me even higher hopes for next year’s!”
Even Beth and Tim joined students on the dance floor and “showcased a few dance moves that were hard to top,” explained Ballard Metcalfe (’11 Henry). It was wonderful that we could move around from group to group and dance with everyone, it showed how close knit of a community we have developed. Rebecca Morgan (’10 Daviess), Anthony Bombik (’11 Boone) and Sean Stopher (’10 Jefferson) also drew everyone’s attention as they busted a move in the middle of the dance floor.
Just like any other high school we had prom court, unlike any other school we knew more than just the candidates first and last name. Everyone cheered and laughed as Manny Cortez (Graves ’10) was introduced as the guy who has always been on his wing eight minutes before curfew.
Prom court included candidates for Prom Prince: Josh Song, Jake Moore, P.J. Kasinski, and Michael Phillips.
Prom Princess candidates were Sydney Combs, Celia Whelan, Claci Ayers, and Kia Allen.
Of course, we cannot forget Prom King candidates Manny Cortez, Ballard Metcalfe, Hunter Smith, and Justin Jatczak.
Last but not least, Prom Queen candidates were Rebecca Morgan, Jordan Jones, Whitney Antle, and Anna Walter.
It was a tough decision for all of us I’m sure, but the 2010 Prom King was Justin Jatczak (’10 Christian), our Queen was Anna Walter (’10 Boone), who also won Prom Princess in 2009. Sydney Combs (’11 Laurel) won Prom Princess this year and P.J. Kasinski (’11 Boone) won Prom Prince.
And though dancing was the highlight of the evening, it is not the only part. Before dancing began we were treated to a catered meal by Aramark and after prom there was… well… after prom. Students were able to hang out and watch movies or sing karaoke. May Stulz (’10 Kenton) remembers Beth Hawke (Residential Life Coordinator) and Scott Wolfe (2nd Floor Boy’s Residential Counselor) singing “You’re Going to Miss This,” dedicated to the 2010 Senior Class.
They are absolutely right. “Prom was amazing mainly because of the atmosphere. You could feel free to dance with anyone. I love the real tight knit community we have,” Stephen King (’10 Carlisle) said. With the days winding down and final exams fast approaching I know Scott and Beth were dead on, we are going to miss this. A lot. Thank you to everyone who helped put this together for us, especially to Beth and Melissa for organizing everything. We will look back on this night and remember all the fun we had for years.
December 8, 2009 | News, Student Life | No Comments
Since Melissa Schultz arrived at the Gatton Academy in August, she has wasted no time getting to know the students and their interests. As the Assistant Coordinator for Residence Life, the core of her job involves engaging students in the Academy’s residential environment.
Schultz , an avid runner, has been tackling half-marathons for years. When she decided to run in the St. Jude Half in December, she opened the invitation to Academy students to see if there was a mutual interest. Her hope was for students to take away a greater sense of self and community.
The response, it turns out, was tremendous.
“Activities like this are important to the Academy because they enrich the student experience through living and learning,” Schultz explained. “It’s about taking on a challenge, finding motivation, working toward a goal, following through and then realizing, while much of the prep work is done on an individual level, there is a greater success when an entire community of people come together for a common interest and goal.”
Over the course of 13 weeks, a dedicated group of ten students committed to early morning runs to build the necessary skill and endurance to complete the 13.1 half-marathon this past weekend in Memphis.
For many students attending the Gatton Academy, having to sacrifice the ability to compete in sports is the hardest part of the decision. Over time, that desire for sport remains active. An opportunity like this to be physically active was a welcomed prospect.
“I missed running cross country these past two years,” noted Elaine Flynn (Grant ’10). “When Melissa sent the email out about the half marathon inviting us to join her, I figured it would fill the empty spot where cross country used to be. “
The team of students, officially dubbed the Academy Road Runners, trained with 6 a.m. runs throughout the weeks leading up the race—rain, cold, or shine. Many students appreciated having others to keep them motivated as an important component of the training process. For Katherine Goebel (Shelby ’11), her father provided a tremendous amount of support as well.
“It was a really good goal to have to motivate me through the long, cold runs,” Goebel said. “I liked the fact that we trained and ran it as a team. And, running is in my blood. My Dad runs a marathon almost every year, so he’s a really good role model for me and supported me in kicking off my road-running career through this race.”
Even though the 13 mile stretch was longer than many of the students had ever attempted, the group finished strong.
“The hardest part about the race was definitely finding the strength to continue running toward the end of the race,” added Hunter Smith (Hardin ’10), “The stretch between miles 11 and 12 was brutal.”
Though the race is behind them, many of the participants are already looking for new opportunities to hit the road again. For Emily Hall (Jessamine ’10), New Year’s seems as good a time as any.
“I can’t wait to run another race,” Hall beamed. “I actually found out that there will be a half-marathon in Bowling Green in the spring. I plan to run a few 5K’s over the next few months, maybe even the 10 mile Hangover Classic in Louisville on January 1st. As soon as I’m not so sore I plan to be out running again.”
Schulz detailed that the personal rewards were small compared to knowing the race was for a good cause.
“The experience of crossing the finish line after 13.1 intense miles of physical and mental exertion offers an incredible euphoria,” Schulz added, “but the mere satisfaction of crossing the finish line is only a small part of what training and finishing a road race has to offer. In this case, thousands of people created an indescribable synergy to benefit the children and work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
Students also hoped an activity like this would demonstrate the Academy is more than just a learning environment.
“While academics are the most important aspect of the Academy, it is experiences like this that keep us well balanced, and balance is the key to success in life,” noted Ballard Metcalfe (Henry ’10).
According to Rebecca Morgan (Hardin ’10), the race was a opportunity to show off a different dynamic of Academy student life.
“These activities make people overcome the viewpoint that the Academy is solely academically oriented,” Morgan explained. “We aren’t just nerds who have pocket protectors and Rubiks cubes, as some may assume. We are so much more. Through activities like this we can show the world our coat of many colors rather than the stripe of green representing our academic life.”
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice or Melissa Schultz at 270-745-6565.
November 18, 2009 | News | No Comments
November 9, 2009 | Alumni, News, Photos, Student Life | No Comments