The Gatton Academy's News Archive

BOWLING GREEN – The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently recognized 30 educators from across the Commonwealth for their support of high ability students. The educators were recognized at the program’s May 10 Commencement in Van Meter Hall.

The Gatton Academy established the Gatton Academy Educator Recognition Program in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate the support students receive from teachers, counselors, gifted and talented specialists, and principals along their educational journeys. Educators play key roles in encouraging students to develop their strengths, explore topics of interest, and set lofty goals. Students often learn of the opportunities The Gatton Academy offers through educators who recognize their potential.

“Our students are fortunate to have had outstanding educators in their local school districts who advocated for them to have advanced educational experiences,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy. “Without these educators, students may not have known about the opportunities The Gatton Academy offers or they may not have been able to take Algebra 2 their 10^th grade year. I am grateful for the dedication to their students these educators have demonstrated.” 

Gatton Academy graduates were invited to nominate one educator from a Kentucky school to be recognized at graduation. Selected educators received a certificate of recognition, a specific message of gratitude from their nominating student(s), and were invited to stand to be acknowledged as their names were read during The Gatton Academy commencement ceremony. The following educators were recognized by the Class of 2025:

Katie Johnston Faris Baker; Gutermuth Elementary School

Rosalie Batistoni; Central Hardin High School

Christine Birch; John Hardin High School

Tasha Brown; Apollo High School

Christopher Budano; Model Laboratory High School/Eastern Kentucky University

Jeremy Byrn; Allen County Scottsville High School

Lori Darnell; Cumberland Trace Elementary

Laura Farris-Kudrna; Indian Trail Elementary School

Dawn Faulk; Madisonville North Hopkins High School

Saundra Hale; Ohio County High School

Katrina Hunley; Classical Conversations

Hallie Hunt-Rock; South Oldham High School

Christopher Huston; Henderson County High School

Genny Jenkins; George Washington Carver STEM Academy for Boys.

Phill Kopczynski; Apollo High School

Stephanie Lewis; Riverview Opportunity Center

Candy Lewis; Conner High School

Amy Litton; LaRue County High School

Keagan Mathes; Fayette County School District

Regina Murphy; Glasgow High School

Aaron Nelson; Henderson County High School

Cristen Olson; Bowling Green High School

Katherine Perraut; East Oldham Middle School

Scott Poe; Greenwood High School

Robbie Roberts; Western Hills High School

Dawn Roy; DuPont Manual High School

Joshua Vaughn; Franklin-Simpson High School

Martha Watson; Bowling Green High School

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.