The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU has selected 97 sophomores for the Class of 2028, including two students from neighboring counties.
Applicants to the prestigious two-year program were evaluated on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards and accomplishments, extracurricular activities, responses to essay and short answer questions, and recommendation forms.
Candidates also interviewed with WKU faculty members, community leaders from across the commonwealth and Gatton Academy alumni.
Making the grade in the evaluation process were Butler County High School student Mark W. Gruber and Ohio County High School student Everett D. Leach.
“Each year during the admissions process we have the opportunity to meet incredible young people from all over the Commonwealth who are seeking opportunities to take the most advanced coursework possible in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said the Director of The Gatton Academy, Dr. Lynette Breedlove. “Members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2028 are remarkable representatives of their communities ready to explore their infinite possibilities.”
Students from 36 counties make up the Class of 2028. Among the students accepted is the first student from Dawson Springs High School and the first two students from Western High School.
Overall, The Gatton Academy has had students attend from 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Students enhance their creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline through the companionship of peers, university courses, faculty-led research, and study abroad, preparing them for leadership roles in the commonwealth of Kentucky. Moreover, The Gatton Academy assists in preparing Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers with ties to the state.
Students will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall. At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Kentucky University.
The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first state-supported, two-year residential program for high school students with interests in advanced science and math careers and is one of only 15 such programs in the nation.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
