Tag Archive : Academics

by Zac Forshee, Academy Avatar

On Wednesday, the remaining 32 members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2010  returned to Schneider Hall. Anxious to begin another year, these second-year students traveled from as close as inside Warren County to as far away as Rowan, Martin, and Pike counties. They return from a three month long summer break, ready to see old friends and make new ones. However, social interaction is not the only aspect of the year with which the seniors will concern themselves.

Academics are highly stressed during senior year. It is during their last year of high school that students have their final chance to make a good impression to the schools they are applying to for baccalaureate studies. As Cody Feldhaus, senior from Boone County, says, “It’s generally accepted that the first semester of senior year is the hardest. You have to balance challenging classes, leadership roles in clubs, extra-curricular activities, and, of course, college applications.”

At the Gatton Academy, academics during senior year could not be more stressed (and sometimes stressful). It is during this time that students begin to take higher level and more specialized coursework. From Differential Equations to University Physics II, Neurobiology to Organic Chemistry I, Multivariable Calculus to Writing in the Disciplines, these classes aren’t average high school courses. Taught by college professors and taken with college students, Seniors at the Gatton Academy are challenged beyond what any traditional high school can offer.

According to Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy, these seniors have high expections from both themselves and the Academy staff. “These incoming second-years really set the standard last year, from the number of students left with a 4.0 GPA to the average PSAT score of a 190. They have really laid the foundation for success, and they are following in the footsteps of the class of 2009, pursuing research, participating in extra-curricular activities, and looking for prestigious scholarships such as the Siemens Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search.”

April Gaskey, the coordinator of academic services, furthered Gott’s sentiments. “Since their first semester, our Class of 2010 has aggressively followed and even challenged our curriculum. The number of students who enrolled in physics during their first year has more than doubled with the 2010 class as compared to last year’s graduating class. In the past, second-year students have typically taken this class in the third or fourth semester. This is just one example of how our seniors have made great advances in our curriculum and in college-level courses. This fall, students have really focused on the advanced math and science courses.”

Despite the challenges and expectations that have been laid before them, most seniors seem primed to take on this test. Most students are excited for certain classes, especially specialized programs. Sean Karlage, a senior from Kenton County, said confidently, “I don’t think this semester is going to be too terribly difficult. But it will definitely be fun. I’m taking a lot of classes that really interest me.”

Kaitlin Oliver, a senior from Muhlenburg County, furthered this. She is looking toward classes that move beyond survey and general curriculum. “I’m really ready to get more into the more major-focused classes, instead of taking the general education,” Oliver noted. “I’m very excited for my Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Astronomy classes. I’m also hoping I can finally pull off a 4.0 for this semester.”

Many students, like Oliver, are seeking to improve their GPA this semester. Elizabeth Singleton, a senior from McCreary County says, “I’m pretty confident this year will be better than last year. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I feel like I’ve learned what I can from them. There will be a lot of challenges, but I’m looking forward to growing from it.”

Even with the mixed thoughts about what the upcoming year may hold, there is no doubt that the future is bright for these young minds.

“I think we could very easily see our second-year students enrolled in 400 level courses in the Spring with the needed pre-requisites to do so,” said Gaskey. “We are very excited to see what the future brings.”

Gott’s smile shows his confidence in their abilities, but still lays the responsibility of success on the students. “The foundation for success has been set for them. It’s ultimately their choice if they decide to build on it.”