Gatton Academy 2009-10 School Profile

2009-2010 School Profile

Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

AcademyGatton

The

www.wku.edu/academy

Greetings from the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of

Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. As you will see

in the pages that follow, the Gatton Academy is a unique

and remarkable educational opportunity for Kentucky’s

outstanding emerging scholars. In the midst of a national

emphasis to increase the number of students who are

prepared to enter the science, technology, engineering,

and mathematics (STEM) fields, the Gatton Academy

serves as a major initiative to meet this need for Ken-

tucky. Through our partnership with Western Kentucky

University, we are able to provide an incredible living/

learning environment that combines a ceilingless cur-

riculum with a rich, student-centered community. Our

students explore advanced topics in multiple disciplines,

engage in authentic university-based research, and de-

velop empowering leadership skills, which are equipping

them to be the next generation of innovators and entre-

preneurs. We invite you to explore the information about

our program and the success stories of our students

found in this profile. In doing so, we believe you will see

that the Gatton Academy is indeed a beacon of excellence

for the Commonwealth and a testament to the infinite

possibilities ahead.

Tim Gott Director

Discover the infinite possibilities ahead...

CONTENTS

Overview ............................................................... 1

Mission .................................................................. 1

A Strategic Partnership with WKU .................. 2

Student Selection ............................................... 3

Academic Overview ........................................... 4

Academic Performance ..................................... 6

Scholarly Research ............................................. 9

Student Academic Accomplishments ........ 10

Student Life ....................................................... 12

Clubs & Organizations .................................... 13

A Beacon of Excellence................................... 14

Class of 2009 Facts & Figures ........................ 15

College Acceptances and Enrollments for the Classes of 2008 through 2009 ......... 16

1The Gatton Academy

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and

Science in Kentucky is a public, residential high school for

juniors and seniors who have demonstrated a desire to

pursue advanced careers in science, technology, engi-

neering, and mathematics fields in addition to exceptional

educational performance.

Instead of spending their junior and senior years in

traditional high schools, students enroll at the Gatton

Academy and live in Schneider Hall, a uniquely dedi-

cated residence hall. Taking courses offered by Western

Kentucky University, their classmates are fellow Gatton

Academy students and WKU undergraduate students.

The program, which began in 2007 with 120 students,

is Kentucky’s only full tuition-paid, residential program for

students who are gifted in mathematics and science. The

Gatton Academy is one of sixteen state-supported resi-

dential high schools with an emphasis in STEM subjects

in the United States.

The Gatton Academy is an institutional member

of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary

Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

Western Kentucky University houses the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. The

mission is to offer an appropriately challenging education in a residential program for bright, highly motivated Ken-

tucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and

mathematics.

The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to

develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and to

aid students in developing integrity that will enable them to benefit society.

The goal is to empower Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians by learning in an environment

which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of

Kentucky.

Overview

Mission

state-funded, residential schools with an emphasis in STEM subjects currently exist in the United States.16

2 The Gatton Academy

Western Kentucky University is uniquely positioned to

host the Gatton Academy on its campus. WKU’s vision is

to become a leading American university with interna-

tional reach. WKU prepares students to be productive,

engaged leaders in a global society. It provides service

and lifelong learning opportunities for its constituents.

WKU’s undergraduate division provides four-year

programs leading to the bachelor of arts, the bachelor

of fine arts, the bachelor of general studies, the bachelor

of science, the bachelor of science in nursing, and the

bachelor of music degrees. Eighty-eight academic majors

and fifty-seven academic minors are available. A number

of professional and pre-professional curricula provide

additional options. WKU is accredited by the Commission

on Colleges of the Southern Association Colleges and

Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, spe-

cialist, and doctoral degrees. Gatton Academy students

are designated as non-degree-seeking students at WKU

during their course of study.

A Strategic Partnership with WKU


3The Gatton Academy

ACT SCORES Sophomore Admission

Junior Assessment

Senior Exit

Class of 2008 27.1* n/a** 29.2

Class of 2009 26.5 28.2 29.2

Class of 2010 28.8 29.9 31.1***

Class of 2011 28.8

Class Semifinalists

2008 6

2009 4

2010 12

Student SelectionThe Gatton Academy admits approximately 60 Kentucky

residents each year with equal division between male

and female students for a total of 120 students. Gatton

Academy applicants are high school sophomores who

have completed at least Geometry, Algebra I, and Alge-

bra II by the end of their sophomore year. Approximately

one-quarter of students admitted to the Gatton Academy

have completed coursework in trigonometry, calculus, or

higher-level mathematics. Close to 200 students apply for

the limited number of available openings in each class.

On average, students admitted to the Gatton Academy

have ACT scores eight points higher than graduating Ken-

tucky high school seniors.

Students are selected through a competitive admis-

sions process based upon several criteria. SAT and/or

ACT scores compliment a student’s academic grades from

ninth and tenth grades to demonstrate preparedness for

university-level study at WKU.

In a holistic approach to selecting students who will

benefit from an advanced living/learning environment,

the admissions committee seeks students who possess

maturity, passion, and individuality—key characteristics in

creating a vibrant community of learners. Interest in ad-

vanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and

math as well as personal experiences are shared through

student responses to essay questions, recommendations

from teachers, administrators, and community members,

and interviews. Since the Gatton Academy is a residential

school environment, family support of a student’s deci-

sion to apply is also considered.

Gatton Academy and WKU staff members as well as

educators, business leaders, and other program stake-

holders from throughout Kentucky work together to eval-

uate the annual pool of applicants. Reviewers examine

both statistical and anecdotal data from the academic and

personal accomplishments of each applicant in order to

determine the potential for success in the academic and

social communities the Gatton Academy affords. In order

to assist school districts from throughout the state and to

a create a study body representative of Kentucky’s diver-

sity, the admissions committee also considers extenuat-

ing circumstances, geographic, and other demographic

variables in its review process.

STANDARDIZED TEST PERFORMANCE

ACT statistics are compiled using the best composite score reported for each student.* Members of the Class of 2008 were admitted during their junior year.** The State of Kentucky began administering the ACT to all public high school juniors in 2008.*** The ACT average reflects mid-year reports.

NATIONAL MERIT PERFORMANCE

The merit status is based upon the PSAT, which students complete in October of their junior year.

28.8is the average composite ACT score for a student admitted to the Gatton Academy in their sophomore year. Students increase their score, on average, by over two points by the time they graduate.


Academic Overview

The academic rigor of the Gatton Academy is meant to

challenge students to excel at the highest levels, while

drawing connections between the classroom and real-

world research options. Students are engaged in a core

of math and science university courses that are supple-

mented with additional coursework in arts, humanities,

and other elective subjects. The Gatton Academy cur-

riculum provides students with ground for future study

in a variety of STEM areas. In addition, students are able

to explore the academic offerings of WKU through other

coursework. Students are required to attend the weekly

Gatton Academy seminar, which offers rotating topics

each semester and is led by professors, Academy staff

members, distinguished community members, and other

professionals.

CurriculumEach entering junior is required to complete 12 courses

in STEM subjects during their Academy study as well

as additional classes in the arts, humanities, and social

sciences necessary to meet the Kentucky Department of

Education’s pre-college curriculum.

Learning EnvironmentsThough the majority of learning occurs in traditional

classroom spaces, Academy students explore academic

subjects through a variety of environments and learning

styles. STEM coursework is supplemented with classes in

English, social studies, foreign language, and other areas

to satisfy pre-college requirements set forth by the state

of Kentucky.

Mathematics (3-4 Courses)

Students will be assigned their introductory math course

based on prior coursework and placement exam scores

administered by the WKU Department of Mathematics.

In addition to Math 371, students must also com-

plete Math 227 or receive credit through other means

(Advanced Placement) and all prerequisite courses.

Coursework in math beyond Calculus II is optional and

is counted toward STEM electives. Students not in need

of lower level math classes may apply remaining credits

toward STEM electives in other subjects.

Math 117 Trigonometry (3 Hours)

Math 126 Calculus I (4.5 Hours)

Math 227 Calculus II (4.5 Hours)

Math 371 Computational Problem Solving (3 Hours)


5The Gatton Academy

hours or more of college credit are earned by students during their two- year course of study.

Core Sciences (5 Courses)

Students must complete one course and lab from each

core area and at least one, complete two-course-and-lab

sequence. It is recommended that unless students have

a significant reason to increase the science load in other

areas, students should complete all four core sequences

for science choice classes. Chemistry 116 cannot be used

to meet the minimum one-course requirement in chem-

istry. Instead, Chemistry 116 may be applied toward a

STEM elective. Students must complete a minimum of

Chemistry 120.

Biology 120/121 Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics/Lab (4 Hours)

Biology 122/123 Biological Concepts: Evolutions, Diversity, Ecology/Lab (4 Hours)

Chemistry 120/121 College Chemistry I/Lab (5 Hours)

Chemistry 222/223 College Chemistry II/Lab (5 Hours)

Computer Science 240/244 Computer Science I/Lab (4 Hours)

Computer Science 241 Computer Science II (3 Hours)

Physics 255/256 University Physics I/Lab (5 Hours)

Physics 265/266 University Physics II/Lab (5 Hours)

STEM Electives (3-5 Courses)

Students may complete their three required STEM elec-

tives and associated labs in the following areas: agricul-

ture, architecture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, com-

puter science, engineering, geography, geology, health

sciences, manufacturing, mathematics, meteorology,

and/or physics.

Courses outside of Ogden College of Science, in-

cluding coursework in social science disciplines may be

approved as a STEM elective on a case-by-case basis

providing content is sufficiently linked to core math and/

or science principles.

English (2 Courses)

Students who score 29 or higher on the English section of

the ACT or 670 or higher on the critical reading section of

the SAT receive three hours of credit for English 100 and

begin the sequence with English 200.

English 100 Introduction to College Writing (3 Hours)

English 200 Introduction to Literature (3 Hours)

English 300 Writing in the Disciplines (3 Hours)

Seminar (3 Courses)

Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 1 (1 Hour)



Pre-College Requirements (As Needed)

Students complete additional pre-college requirements as

mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and their

sending institutions based on previous coursework in

their freshman and sophomore years.

History 119 Western Civilization to 1649 (3 Hours)

History 120 Western Civilization Since 1649 (3 Hours)

History 241 United States History Since 1865 (3 Hours)

Political Science 110 American National Government (3 Hours)

Physical Education 100 Health and Wellness (3 Hours)

Art 100 Art Appreciation (3 Hours)

Music 120 Music Appreciation (3 Hours)

Foreign Languages (Chinese, French, German, Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish)

ElectivesAfter the first semester, Gatton Academy students in good

standing are able to take up to 18 credit hours, including

optional electives.

60

5The Gatton Academy


The Gatton Academy uses a number of academic success

indicators to track the overall academic performances

of students during their program of study. Some of these

indicators include student GPA, scores on state account-

ability assessments, and post-admissions ACT/SAT/PSAT

scores.

Gatton Academy students generally outperform their

high school peers in all categories. Gatton Academy stu-

dents received the highest average ACT score on the 2009

Kentucky state assessment of public high school juniors

with a composite of 29.9—exceeding their peers by over

ten points. They also generally outperform their tradi-

tional college peers taking the same coursework. This

level of excellence occurs while the students participate

in authentic college research as well as service require-

ments the students perform.

Most students enrolling at the Gatton Academy bring

with them high grade points averages (typically 3.9 on a

4.0 scale) from their traditional high schools. As expected

with taking more rigorous coursework at WKU, their

average GPA tends to drop by a small measure. Gatton

Academy graduates compete with students from tradi-

tional high schools for admission (and scholarships) into

four-year colleges and universities. The Gatton Academy

calculates an unweighted GPA based on a combination

of a student’s prior high school grades and those grades

earned while studying at the Gatton Academy. A weighted

GPA is also calculated, giving Gatton Academy courses in

math, science, social studies, language arts, and foreign

language an additional quality point.

Academic Performance

7The Gatton Academy

Dalton Hubble Selected as 2009 Goldwater Scholarship RecipientDalton Hubble, a 2009 alumnus from Hardin County, has been named a 2009

recipient of the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Hubble is the first

Gatton Academy student to receive the award and is the fifth WKU student

in three years to be honored. 278 Goldwater scholarships were awarded to

collegiate sophomores and juniors nationwide this year. The Goldwater Scholars

were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,097 mathematics,

science and engineering students who were nominated. Hubble was previously

selected as a national semifinalist for the Intel Science Talent Search and

Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology.

Rachel Bowman Honored as Department of Defense SMART Scholarship WinnerRachel Bowman, a 2009 alumna from Calloway County, was named a recipient of the

Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship, a nationally-competitive award

valued at over $250,000. Bowman is the first Gatton Academy and WKU student to be

awarded the SMART Scholarship. The SMART Scholarship (Science, Mathematics, and

Research for Transformation scholarship) was established in 2006 by the Department

of Defense to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees

in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and to increase the

number of civilian scientists and engineers doing research in Department of Defense

laboratories. Bowman is continuing her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology during the 2009-10 school year.

Ballard Metcalfe Presents Policy Recommendations in Session at National Energy BoardBallard Metcalfe, a Class of 2010 student from Henry County, along with representa-

tives from six other specialized high schools shared research on reducing greenhouse

gas emissions to The Keystone Center’s National Energy Board in a session held in

Washington, D.C. The Energy Board is a unique group of 50 national leaders on ener-

gy policy issues. Metcalfe wasn’t worried that his audience would dismiss the group’s

message because of their age. Instead, it made him all the more confident. “Students

are able to create solutions that are ultimately bipartisan and pragmatic solutions,

without many of the anxieties our current leaders face, such as protecting their own

power,” Metcalfe said. “We are objective and our only goal is for the future.”


Sarah Pritchett, a Class of 2010 student from Clark County,

understands that some of the greatest scientific discoveries

take place outside the walls of a laboratory.

Pritchett was selected to participate in geologic

research in the Rio Grande Rift during summer 2009. She,

along with seven young women from across the country,

spent two weeks working with scientists from Los Alamos

National Laboratories. Much of their time was spent visiting

sites, mostly in Colorado, where they collected rock samples

and cores. Participants then traveled to the University of

New Mexico where they analyzed the paleomagnetism of

the various samples using the cryogenic magnetometer, a

million-dollar piece of research equipment. The data col-

Sarah Pritchett Proves Research Extends Beyond the Classroom


lected will be used to determine the types and locations of

faults throughout the rift. This information will have many

applications ranging from improved prediction of earth-

quakes to the prevention of contamination of important

water supplies.

She is currently conducting an environmental research

study on tadpole development. After collecting tadpoles

from a Warren County pond, Pritchett is tracking the tad-

poles’ development in different temperature aquariums to

determine what small climate changes in Kentucky might

do to the tadpole and frog populations of our waterways.

Her work is being done in the Department of Biology with

Dr. Pedro Do Amaral.

9The Gatton Academy

Each spring, Newsweek recognizes

the top 5 percent of public schools

as measured by the Challenge

Index ratio devised by Washington

Post Education Columnist Jay

Mathews. The ratio is 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 1,500

Gatton Academy Named to Newsweek’s List of “Public Elite” American High Schools

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. Specialized schools are,

instead, acknowledged by The

Public Elites. The Gatton Academy

marks the first occasion in which

a Kentucky high school has been

recognized as a member of The

Public Elites and is one of only

sixteen schools on the list for 2009.

Scholarly ResearchOne of the added values of study at the Gatton Academy

is the opportunity to engage in real, undergraduate-level

research projects while at WKU. Gatton Academy stu-

dents are encouraged to participate in research both dur-

ing the academic year and through internships during the

summer months. Research conducted on-campus during

the academic year allows students to pursue their specific

scientific interests beyond the curriculum, working under

the supervision of a WKU professor.

The Gatton Academy’s strategic partnership with

Western Kentucky University benefits our students by of-

fering abundant research opportunities throughout cam-

pus. WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering is

praised for its longtime commitment to involving under-

graduates in research. Gatton Academy students have

access to research opportunities in any of the college’s

departments, including Agriculture, Architecture and

Manufacturing Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering,

Geography and Geology, Mathematics and Computer Sci-

ence, and Physics and Astronomy.

Gatton Academy students are encouraged to use their

research experiences as a springboard for scientific com-

petitions and to contribute to the scientific community. In-

deed, research projects are the threshold experience that

is required for many of the high-level scholarships and

experiences for which Gatton Academy students com-

pete. For example, our students are encouraged to enter

the Siemens Competition and the Intel Science Talent

Search, both STEM-based research competitions for high

school students. Furthermore, Academy students have the

chance to present their research at local, regional, and

national conferences. Some students have even published

scholarly papers with their research professors. Being a

part of a university research project, working in a WKU

lab, and developing strong relationships with professors

is part of the unique value that can be a part of the Acad-

emy experience.

Two semesters or more of research, it should be

noted, is a requirement for all Gatton students who wish

to receive the recognition of Honors or Honors with Dis-

tinction at graduation.


8 Gatton Academy Students Selected to Participate in HHMI National Genomics Research InitiativeEight Gatton Academy first-year students have been

invited to participate in the Howard Hughes Medical

Institute (HHMI) National Genomics Research Initiative

this fall at WKU. Students will study under the tutelage of

two outstanding WKU faculty members. Dr. Rodney King,

associate professor of biology and director of the WKU

Biotechnology Center, and Dr. Claire Rinehart, professor

of biology and director of the Bioinformatics and Informa-

tion Science Center (BISC), each have expertise in virol-

ogy, biotechnology and bioinformatics and will use their

experience to engage freshmen students in the yearlong

HHMI program in scientific discovery.

Student Academic Accomplishments

Gatton Academy Students Dialogue in National Youth Policy SummitSix Gatton Academy Class of 2010 members participated

in the 2009 National Youth Policy Summit held in Key-

stone, Colorado. Joining thirty of the nation’s brightest fu-

ture leaders in science and math, the student participants

addressed the critical issue of greenhouse gas reductions.

The students assembled in Colorado for a week-long dis-

cussion to engage energy representatives from industry,

government, and non-profit sectors. These young leaders

focused on what economic opportunities exist nation-

ally to address the issue of greenhouse gas reductions.

Students spent the spring semester in preparation for

the conference by conducting original research. Students

were assigned research topics to address certain wedges

of the topic of carbon reduction. Students were addition-

ally assigned a stakeholder organization to research and

represent their point-of-view.

Seven Gatton Academy students have been selected as

part of a program to facilitate highly-needed, fluent speak-

ers of foreign languages. WKU has received a federal grant

from the National Security Education Program’s Language

Flagship to start an intensive Chinese Language program

at WKU. As one of eight funded programs in the country,

WKU offers Gatton Academy students the chance to join this

incredible language training program that funds students’

opportunities to study Chinese intensively at summer

workshops, to take Chinese courses on-campus during the

academic year, and to travel abroad to China during the

university’s winter-term. By enrolling students from across

all majors and disciplines—including the sciences, econom-

ics, business, and literature—Flagship programs mainstream

7 Gatton Academy Students Admitted to Prestigious Chinese Language Flagship

language study into a student’s curriculum, ensuring that

they will be capable of functioning in their profession in the

target language.

11The Gatton Academy

of the students at the Gatton Academy engage in a scholarly research pursuit supervised by a WKU faculty member.3/5

Students Present at 2009 NCSSSMST Student Research SymposiumFour Gatton Academy students shared research conduct-

ed over the past year at the 2009 National Consortium of

Special Secondary Schools of Math, Science and Technol-

ogy’s Student Research Symposium at the University of

Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Gatton Academy student

presentations at the conference included: Landfill Contam-

inant and Fluorescent Dye Interference Project (Katherine

Rush); Detection of Photropin through Western Blot Analysis

(Gretchen Fraze); Transformation of Three Subspecies of

Medicago sativa with Agrobacteria Tumefaciens to Gener-

ate Insecticidal Plants (Jared Mink); and Corneal Wound

Healing (Justin Jatczak).

Gatton Academy Students Spend Summer in Research, Internships, and Other OpportunitiesWhile many high school students and graduates spend

their summer getting ready for college or enjoying weeks

on the beach, Academy students and recent alumni

spent the summer months academically engaged, build-

ing off their experiences at the Gatton Academy. In all,

54 students participated in an academic or career explo-

ration during the months of June, July, and August that

took place across the world. Both the geography and

educational experiences of these students was wide-

ranging.


Student LifeThe Gatton Academy Student Life Team strives to create

a nurturing living/learning environment that allows each

student to reach their potential in all areas of develop-

ment. Programming focuses on adult support for students

in transition and crises; experiences that support positive

growth in personal, social, educational, and ethical lead-

ership; healthy lifestyles, responsible decision making,

and service to others. This is accomplished through a sup-

portive residential community; residential programming,

workshops, retreats, weekend programming and other

special events; extra-curricular activities and recreation;

and leadership and service opportunities.

Schneider Hall and the community within are de-

signed specifically for academically talented adolescent

students. The Gatton Academy Student Life Team lives in

the residence hall, where they provide daily, adult support

for each student while fostering smaller, community-

based experiences that help facilitate student personal

growth and social responsibility.

13The Gatton Academy

Clu

bs &

Org

aniz

atio

ns

2240hours of service learning were completed by members of the Class of 2009 during their time at the Gatton Academy.

Because an essential feature of the Gatton Academy

is its community, all students are required to live in the

residence hall even if their homes are within commut-

ing distance. Gatton Academy students are housed in

Florence Schneider Hall, which serves as a supervised

home-away-from-home on the WKU campus. The Gatton

Academy features a staff-to-student ratio of 1:13—far

greater than traditional undergraduate housing. This al-

lows Residential Counselors the opportunity to serve as a

mentor, disciplinarian, confidant, and counselor to their

small group of students.

The Office of Academic Services provides students

with a range of resources to assist them in formulating

plans and making decisions during their academic career

at the Gatton Academy. Counselors help by meeting with

students to support the development of time manage-

ment, self management, and study skills. Academic coun-

seling also includes helping students find the confidence

and the time to take advantage of the built-in academic

resources, tutoring, faculty office hours, and group study

opportunities.

Personal counseling services are provided by the

Assistant Director, Counseling Services. This individual

provides confidential counseling for personal issues that

affect Gatton Academy students academically, socially, or

emotionally. Stress, adjustment to academy life, personal

identity and growth, homesickness, and relationship is-

sues are typical concerns.

Counselors individually advise and collaborate with

students on issues of college admission and scholarships

beginning in the spring of the junior year. During the

senior year, counselors write individual letters of recom-

mendation for each of their students as requested and

support students in the decision-making process.

ACAdEMy ORGAnizATiOnS

Anime Club

Beta Club

Book Club

Chess Club

Coed YMCA

Culinary Club

Film Society

Forensics

Future Business Leaders of America

Gay-Straight Alliance

Green Club

Habitat for Humanity

Math Club

Mock Trial

Odyssey of the Mind

Soccer Club

Spirit Club

Student Government Association

TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, & Science)

WKU ORGAnizATiOnS

Baptist Campus Ministry

Big Brothers / Big Sisters

Big Red Marching Band / Color Guard

Bowling Green / Western Symphony Orchestra

Campus Activities Board

HOSA

Men’s and Women’s Chorus


Gatton Academy Partners in Training Parent AdvocatesThe Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Ken-

tucky is a proud partner in the Commonwealth Institute

for Parent Leadership. The Gatton Academy encourages

parents to become involved in their districts as advocates

for education opportunities. The Commonwealth Institute

for Parent Leadership offers a variety of programs aimed

at bringing together parents, teachers, community mem-

bers, and school administrators for training, information,

and experiences that help them work as partners to raise

student achievement. The program was developed by the

Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence in 1997 as

a way to support informed, skilled parents as effective

advocates who are passionate about improving Kentucky

public schools.

Gatton Academy Executive Director Named to Executive Committee of World Council for Gifted and Talented

Julia Link Roberts, Mahurin Profes-

sor of Gifted Studies at Western

Kentucky University and Gatton

Academy Executive Director, was

elected to a four-year term on the

Executive Committee of the World

Council for Gifted and Talented

Children (WCGTC). Seven individu-

als serve on the Executive Committee and a country can

only have one representative. The WCGTC is a world-

wide non-profit organization whose primary goal is to

provide advocacy and support for gifted children. It is a

diverse organization networking the globe with an active

membership of educators, scholars, researchers, parents,

educational institutions, affiliated federations, and others

interested in the development and education of gifted and

talented children of all ages.

A Beacon of Excellence

15The Gatton Academy 15The Gatton Academy

Class of 2009 Facts & Figures

To date, students from 87 counties and 100 public school districts have attended the Gatton Academy.

➤ 53% of students in the Class of 2009 participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members.

➤ 75% of Class of 2009 graduates are attending Kentucky higher education institutions.

➤ $7.5 million in four-year scholarships were offered to the graduating Class of 2009.

➤ 10 Class of 2009 students were named Kentucky Governor’s Scholars.

➤ 3 members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists with one student being named a National Merit Scholarship winner.

➤ 100% of graduates are currently continuing their post-secondary studies.


College Acceptances and Enrollments for the Classes of 2008 through 2009

Faulkner University AL 1 1Auburn University AL 1 0Hendrix College AR 1 1Arizona State University AZ 1 0California Institute of Technology CA 2 0University of California at Davis CA 1 0University of California at Irvine CA 1 0University of California at Los Angeles CA 1 0University of California at San Diego CA 1 0Pepperdine University CA 1 0Stanford University CA 1 0American University DC 2 0University of the District of Columbia DC 1 0The George Washington University DC 1 0University of Miami FL 4 2Florida Institute of Technology FL 2 1Emory University GA 4 0Agnes Scott College GA 1 1Berry College GA 1 0Georgia Institute of Technology GA 1 0Northwestern College IL 3 1University of Chicago IL 1 0Columbia College IL 1 0Illinois Institute of Technology IL 1 0Northwestern University IL 1 0Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology IN 6 0Purdue University IN 2 0Butler University IN 1 0Hanover College IN 1 0Indiana University at Bloomington IN 1 0University of Notre Dame IN 1 0Kansas State University KS 1 0Western Kentucky University KY 78 48University of Louisville KY 45 15University of Kentucky KY 43 18Centre College KY 13 2Bellarmine University KY 5 0Lindsey Wilson College KY 3 0Morehead State University KY 3 0Transylvania University KY 3 0Murray State University KY 2 1Northern Kentucky University KY 2 1Campbellsville University KY 2 0Eastern Kentucky University KY 2 0Thomas More College KY 1 1University of the Cumberlands KY 1 0Georgetown College KY 1 0Kentucky State University KY 1 0Tulane University LA 5 0Xavier University of Louisiana LA 2 0Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA 2 2

Smith College MA 1 1Emerson College MA 1 0Northeastern University MA 1 0Johns Hopkins University MD 1 0McDaniel College MD 1 0Bowdoin College ME 1 0Kettering University MI 2 1Michigan Technological University MI 1 0University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN 1 0Washington University in St. Louis MO 4 0Stephens College MO 1 0Mississippi University for Women MS 1 1University of Mississippi MS 1 0Duke University NC 2 0Davidson College NC 1 1North Carolina State University NC 1 0Wake Forest University NC 1 0New York University NY 4 1Marymount Manhattan College NY 2 1The Culinary Institute of America NY 1 0Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY 1 0University of Rochester NY 1 0Case Western Reserve University OH 5 1Kenyon College OH 2 1Xavier University OH 2 0Cedarville University OH 1 1University of Cincinnati OH 1 0University of Dayton OH 1 0Miami University OH 1 0Oberlin College OH 1 0Oklahoma City University OK 1 0University of Oklahoma OK 1 0Bryn Mawr College PA 1 0Drexel University PA 1 0Lehigh University PA 1 0Point Park University PA 1 0Rhode Island School of Design RI 1 0Clemson University SC 3 0South Carolina State University SC 1 0Vanderbilt University TN 8 1Sewanee: The University of the South TN 1 1Belmont University TN 1 0Rice University TX 1 0Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA 3 1College of William and Mary VA 3 1University of Richmond VA 1 0University of Virginia VA 1 0University of Washington WA 1 0University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 1 0University of Wyoming WY 1 0Jacobs University Bremen GERMANY 2 0

STATE

ACCEPT

ATTEND STA

TEACC

EPTATT

ENDCOLLEGE COLLEGE

Julia Link Roberts, Ed.D. Executive Director

Tim Gott, M.A.E. Director

Christopher “Pokey” Bowen, Ph.D. Assistant Director, Counseling Services

Corey Alderdice, M.A. Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations

April Gaskey, M.P.A. Coordinator: Academic Services

Derick Strode, M.A.E. Coordinator: Research, Internships, and Scholarships

Beth Hawke Coordinator: Residence Life

Melissa Schultz, M.A.E. Assistant Coordinator: Residence Life

Emily Burns Residential Counselor

Sean Giddings Residential Counselor

Rose Nash Residential Counselor

Sue Meador Residential Counselor

Brian Rogers Residential Counselor

Rachel Stewart Residential Counselor

Scott Wolfe Residential Counselor

Julie Fryia Office Associate

Nita Rice Office Associate

Academy Staff

Stay ConnectedWebsite www.wku.edu/academy

Email [email protected]

Phone 270.745.6565

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The Gatton Academy Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd. #71031 Bowling Green, KY 42101-1031

Gatton Academy 2009-10 School Profile

Documents

Transcript of Gatton Academy 2009-10 School Profile