Congratulations, Kentucky! After nearly a decade of advocacy and planning, the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a reality. In this first year, Academy students represent 61 counties that span the Commonwealth in all directions. Thanks to the support of legislators, businesses, educators, and parents, the Gatton Academy now stands as a beacon of excellence for Kentucky and a testament to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead for some of the state's brightest young minds.
2008-09 Student Life Handbook Available Online
May 20, 2008
The revised 2008-09 Student Life Handbook is now available online. To download a copy of the handbook, click here.
Gatton Academy Honors 54 Inaugural Graduates
May 20, 2008
The inaugural commencement ceremony for the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky not only celebrated a year of accomplishment but looked toward the infinite possibilities ahead for the program’s graduates.
Fifty-four students representing 35 counties from across the Commonwealth were honored during Saturday’s ceremony at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Amphitheater on the campus of Western Kentucky University.
Forty-four of the graduates (81 percent) plan to attend Kentucky higher education institutions with 24 continuing their studies at WKU.
Jim Wiseman, vice president of public affairs for Toyota Motor Manufacturing of North America, delivered the commencement address and encouraged the graduates to respect others, challenge themselves, broaden themselves and enjoy life.
WKU President Gary Ransdell thanked members of the General Assembly, WKU faculty members, parents and students for making the Gatton Academy a reality for Kentucky students.
“You are part of history for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Dr. Ransdell told the Academy’s first graduates. “You are part of something special.”
Alyssa Mavi, a graduating senior from Ashland, shared with the audience the new experiences the Gatton Academy provided the senior class. “Never before have I, or my fellow students in the Class of 2008, been confronted with so many amazing opportunities,” Mavi said. “Never before have I truly felt excited to learn in and out of the classroom. Never before have I been surrounded and had the chance to live and work with so many talented young people.”
Since August, Gatton Academy students have taken classes in mathematics, science and other subjects at WKU in fulfillment of high school requirements and the Gatton Academy curriculum. In additional to university study, 56 percent of students participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members.
Twenty-five members of the senior class are Kentucky Governor’s Scholars. Six members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists with one named a scholarship winner. In all, seniors completed a total of 1,649 hours of community service.
“Today is the culmination of a year of experiences that have set the pace and established the traditions for the Gatton Academy,” said Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of the Academy.
Academy director Tim Gott noted his pride over the accomplishments of the graduating class. “I could not be more proud of this inaugural class,” Gott said. “These students took a leap of faith to be trailblazers in this new educational initiative in the state. Though they had to give up many good things from their home schools to participate in the Academy, they maximized this opportunity and created an amazing community of learners. The ripple effect of their phenomenal efforts will be felt for years to come.”
In the fall of 2008, representatives from the graduating class will attend 15 schools across the United States: WKU, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Centre College, Northern Kentucky University, The College of William and Mary, The Culinary Institute of America, Davidson College, Florida Institute of Technology, Kenyon College, University of Miami, The Mississippi University for Women, New York University, Vanderbilt University and Virginia Tech University.
Four-year scholarships totaling $6.8 million were offered to the graduating class while $2.6 million in four-year scholarships were accepted.
“Kentucky is the 14th state to establish a residential school with a focus on mathematics and science supported by the state,” Dr. Roberts said. “This inaugural graduating class from the Gatton Academy symbolizes a giant step toward addressing the need to develop top talent in mathematics and science.”
For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.
List of 2008 Gatton Academy Graduates (.pdf)
Gatton Academy Selects 62 Students from 44 Counties for Class of 2010
April 9, 2008
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has selected 60 students for its Class of 2010.
The students span 44 counties from across the Commonwealth. This gifted group of high school sophomores brings with them to the Gatton Academy an average ACT score eight points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.
In all, 130 students applied and were judged based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards, responses to essay questions, and letters of recommendation. Then 100 were invited for interviews with Academy staff members and representatives from across the Commonwealth. In the end, 60 dynamic applicants emerged from the review process.
The selected students scored an average of 28.8 composite on the ACT and 29.2 on the math portion of the exam. The highest possible score is a 36. The 2007 statewide average ACT score for graduating Kentucky high school seniors was 20 on the math portion of the exam and 20.7 composite.
| “We are extremely excited to welcome this outstanding group of students to the Gatton Academy,” said Corey Alderdice, assistant director of admissions and public relations for the Gatton Academy. “These students bring with them numerous talents and abilities. Most of all, they bring a passion for learning and a readiness to bring the state of Kentucky fully into the economy of the 21st century.”
The incoming class includes students from the following counties: Adair, Boone, Bourbon, Boyd, Bullitt, Butler, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Grant, Graves, Greenup, Hardin, Harlan, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, LaRue, Laurel, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Mercer, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Owen, Pendleton, Pike, Rowan, Simpson, Spencer, Trigg, Warren and Woodford.
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 will prepare Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers who live and work in the state. The students will finish their junior and senior years living in the renovated Schneider Hall and taking courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours.
Tim Gott, director of the Academy, looks for these students to continue the level of engagement and success of the program’s inaugural group of students. “Our inaugural group of students has set a very high standard in the classroom, research labs and across the WKU campus,” Gott said. “These incoming students will build upon these experiences and to push the bar higher.”
The Academy provides a rich living/learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features research, clubs, organizations and community service.
The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s only state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in science and math careers and the 14th such program in the nation. More information about the Gatton Academy is available online at http://www.wku.edu/academy/
For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.
Students May Still Apply for the Gatton Academy
Updated April 9, 2008
Though the initial deadline for review has passed for applying to the Gatton Academy, interested students are still able to submit applications for admission. Late applicants will be added to the pool of wait-listed students and will be interviewed as space and opportunities allow. Students who were not selected in the intial group of students should contact the Gatton Academy should they received updated ACT/SAT scores, transcript of grades, or other information that would be useful in addressing students on the waiting list fo admission. For information on admission to the Gatton Academy, please telephone Corey Alderdice at 270.745.2971.
Benefits of the Academy for Kentucky, its Students, and Schools
How will the state benefit?
The economy of a state is closely tied to the educational opportunities that are provided within it. North Carolina was the first state to have a state residential school, and the North Carolina School of Mathematics and Science is twenty-six years old. Members of the legislature recognize the impact the graduates of the North Carolina School have on the state economy, so they provide scholarships to all graduates of NCSSM to attend a university in the North Carolina system. Kentucky also will find a connection between the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and our state economy. Currently Kentucky ranks 47th in the number of scientists and engineers. Of course, this statistic is appalling in light of the fact that innovation is linked to professionals with these interests and abilities, and innovation is a key factor in fueling the economy of a state. The Gatton Academy should impact that statistic by providing challenging learning opportunities for young people who are ready for advanced study.
How will young Kentuckians benefit?
One hundred and twenty young people will participate in this residential program for high school juniors and seniors with a focus on math and science. They will engage in classes and research to further their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. They will earn 60 college credits while also obtaining a high school diploma. They will learn with peers who are share their interests.
How will the home high schools benefit?
Educators in the district and school will have the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky as an educational option for their most advanced students. The home high school will include the scores of the Gatton Academy student(s) in their school’s scores, so no one will lose when a young Kentuckian is selected to attend the Gatton Academy. Honors earned by the student also return to the home high school, so everyone wins. Both the school and the high school student are honored when the selection to attend the Gatton Academy is made.
Indeed, it is a time of celebration as the Commonwealth opens the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. Remember the Academy isn’t about The Center for Gifted Studies. We simply stewarded it, advocated for it, explained the need. The Academy isn’t about Western Kentucky University. Western, realizing the great need Kentucky has for such a residential school, dedicated space, instructors, and an optimal learning environment. The Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is all about Kentucky and Kentucky’s young people. Our Commonwealth must nurture and develop these precious resources. We must ready ourselves and prepare our people to compete in a global economy and a “flattened” world.
Kentucky educators are engaged in a major effort to enhance opportunities for all of our high school students. An integral component of our work is the new Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, a special residential learning opportunity for selected gifted juniors and seniors. No longer will these youngsters be limited by the lack of opportunity to pursue their gifts and dreams.Gene Wilhoit
Executive Director
Council of Chief State School Officers
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