Kentucky – Page 2 – The Gatton Academy News

My Favorite Clubs and Student Organizations

April 21, 2023 | Jiali Graham | No Comments

A lot of students I know were active in their sending school’s clubs and activities, and one big hesitancy for possible Gatton students can be whether they can continue to participate in clubs and activities. Well, I’m here to lessen some of your worries with a list of some of my favorite clubs and student organizations at Gatton (in no particular order)!

For reference, Gatton has over thirty clubs and student organizations with more to come, as any student can create their own club if it doesn’t already exist! The only difference between a club and a student organization is that a club is staff sponsored and a student organization is entirely student-led.

In addition, as Gatton students, we are also WKU students. So, we can join any organization on WKU. I’ve gone to a few AASA (Asian American Student Association) meetings. A few people I know are also a part of WKU’s Fencing Club, so you’ll find at least one club that intrigues you! Anyways, onto my list:

Student Y

This club participates in the KYA (Kentucky Youth Assembly) and KUNA (Kentucky United Nations Assembly) state conferences. KYA discusses issues in Kentucky and allows students to debate on bills that other students present. In addition, they have their own Media Corp, Supreme Court, Cabinet, and Lobbyists that all dive into the state’s government. KUNA discusses international issues, with each school representing a country and its views. Students will debate on resolutions that other students present. Similarly, they have their own special programs such as Media Corp, International Court of Justice, Security Council, Secretariat, and Non-Governmental Organization Representative that explore different aspects of international government. Both conferences also give students the opportunity to run as candidates to be heads of next year’s conference!

I have been a part of Student Y since sixth grade and joining Gatton’s delegation has been one of my favorite opportunities. Not only has it allowed me to continue my Y-journey, but it’s given me another group of amazing friends to work with.

International Club

This club explores different countries across the globe! They often have a fun informational presentation about the country’s history and traditions but fear not! You aren’t just listening to a presentation. They often cook that country’s cuisine for you to eat and have a fun activity involving that country’s culture to participate in! Sometimes it’s been a fun game of 1, 2, 3 Pescao (Puerto Rico), third player chase (Austria), Sapo (Peru), or making hanboks (South Korea). On top of it all, if there’s a country you really want to talk about, you can present it!

I’ve been a part of this club for the last two years. I’ve sincerely enjoyed every presentation and learning about all of the countries. We had a lot of laughs, good food, and played fun games. If you enjoy the Bowling Green International Festival, which hosts booths for dozens of different countries, I really think you’ll love this.

Paint Club

It’s exactly what the name sounds like, you paint. Much of the time is spent on freestyle painting on canvas. A lot of students take this club as a time to relax and wind down after a day of classes, and it can be much more than just typical acrylic paint. As one of the current presidents of Paint Club, I have never once painted on a canvas during my club hours. Instead, I often have my iPad and Apple Pencil out working on a digital painting! Other students have also brought in converse, rocks, or anything with a surface to paint. Notably, you do not have to be ‘good’ at art to join this club! We welcome all levels of art (but I’m going to think all of you are excellent artists no matter what).

I’ve only been heavily involved in Paint Club for one year, but already it’s been a lot of fun. We have a lot of great conversations while we relax and seeing everyone’s creations is always exciting!

Science Minded Kids

This club was just founded this year by Oliver Ghrist. He used to teach elementary students about science concepts with cool experiments (like the layers of the earth as layers of pudding), and he’s brought the idea here to Gatton! Members of the club often develop lesson plans or ideas on how to simplify scientific concepts or jobs for the students.

My involvement with this club has been limited, due to my own busy schedule, but every time I’ve gone it’s been a treat. It’s amazing to show kids science at a young age and get them excited! If you enjoy volunteering at the Center for Gifted Studies Super Saturdays, you’ll love this too.

Film Club

The activity is in the name! We watch movies that we voted on earlier in the week. The movie genres often vary, from horror to comedy, or anything in between. The best part of Film Club is bringing in your friends (and maybe some popcorn) to have a relaxing night after classes.

Whenever I can, I make sure to drop in. It can especially help to have a comedy movie after a stressful day or to watch my friends (and me) jump at horror movies.

Computer Science (CS) Club

CS Club is insanely helpful, especially for a junior’s first semester. Often, the club offers tutoring in Java—the language learned in the mandatory CS180 class. Advice from CS Club can also extend to the CPS (Computational Problem Solving) course, which is the mandatory CS/Math class for a junior’s second semester. Beyond tutoring, CS Club also participates in competitive coding. These competitions are not mandatory, but they are an option!

I’ve only attended a few meetings, but I’ve enjoyed their help!

There you have it! Those are some of my favorite clubs at Gatton. However, since I am only one person, I wanted to throw in a few other honorable mentions from other students:

Bible Study
Dungeons and Dragons Club (DND)
Russian Club
Arabic Club
Biology Club
Project Unite

For more clubs, check out: https://www.wku.edu/academy/student_life/student-activities.php

By Gatton Academy

Family Matters

December 7, 2022 | 2022-2023, Avatars, Maria Pfeifer | 1 Comment

One of the challenges of coming to Gatton is staying connected with your family. Every student is different, with different attitudes toward how much they want to communicate with their family. For me, staying close to them was a huge priority.

I was born into a big family, having three older siblings. As I got older, that family grew, and I now have three younger siblings as well. I attribute everything about myself to my family, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.

TIPS FOR STAYING CLOSE TO YOUR FAMILY:

Get comfortable sharing about yourself! Whether you see your family in person or are on a phone call with them, you will get the classic, “What have you been up to?” question. Don’t shy away from it! Your family wants to hear from you!

Have the tough conversation(s) with your family. The easiest grounds for frustration come from a lack of communication on how much you want to communicate. Your parents may have their own expectations for communication that may not line up with yours.

Remember the big things…. Your family members will be so touched if you remember birthdays and anniversaries, so be sure to reach out at these times. Bonus points for grandparents.

…and ask about the small things! One of the hardest things about being away from your family is missing out on the small moments. While nothing replaces being with your family for these, make sure to ask about them, whether it be a younger sibling’s soccer game or the puzzle your dad is working on.

Set aside time for your family during closed weekends. Closed weekends are tough. Some Gatton students drive as many as 10 hours in one weekend to get home and back, while others live in Bowling Green. Either way, going home can be draining, so allow yourself a little bit of time to breathe, and then spend time with your family! The impulse is to spend time with our friends, and while that’s important, you’ll be with your family forever.

Be merciful with your younger siblings. There’s nothing like getting home after weeks of being in a new place and sleeping in your own bed for the first time only to be woken up by a five-year-old jumping on top of you. True story. Know that these moments where we find ourselves wanting to rip their heads off are moments to count to ten and smile because we have siblings that want to spend time with us.

Be active in the family group chat, and if you don’t have one, start one! Whether it’s talking about my brother’s garage band, my little sister stealing my mom’s phone to send emojis, or my dad complaining about large diet cokes no longer being $1 at McDonald’s, this group chat has been a huge source of small smiles throughout the day for me. It helps me feel connected to my family, and I know that my older siblings feel the same way.

Small phone calls! Gatton life can be busy, and sometimes it can be easier to take five minutes out of a few days each week to call your family members rather than a whole hour at once. Small phone calls can feel like passing conversations, which I love because it is almost like being back with your family. Walking to class is one of the perfect times to do this.

My older siblings were all able to come home for Labor Day and we got coffee with Gran!

By Gatton Academy

Gatton Academy among 21 Kentucky High Schools Selected for “Poetry Out Loud”

November 4, 2011 | Academics, News, People, Students | No Comments

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The Kentucky Arts Council has selected 21 high schools to participate in the state competition for the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. This is the seventh year of the program, which encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation.

The selected schools are:

School	City	County

Allen Co./Scottsville High School	Scottsville	Allen
Ballard High School	Louisville	Jefferson
Beechwood High School	Ft Mitchell	Kenton
Boyd Co. High School	Ashland	Boyd
Carroll Co. High School	Carrollton	Carroll
Fairview High School	Ashland	Boyd
Franklin Co. High School	Frankfort	Franklin
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky	Bowling Green	Warren
Grant Co. High School	Dry Ridge	Grant
Greenwood High School	Bowling Green	Warren
Harlan Co. High School	Baxter	Harlan
Hart Co. High School	Munfordville	Hart
Hazard High School	Hazard	Perry
Heath High School	West Paducah	McCracken
Leslie Co. High School	Hyden	Leslie
Lone Oak High School	Paducah	McCracken
Mercer Co. High School	Harrodsburg	Mercer
Ohio Co. High School	Hartford	Ohio
Reidland High School	Paducah	McCracken
Russell Co. High School	Russell Springs	Russell
Western Hills High School	Frankfort	Franklin

Poetry Out Loud begins at the classroom level. Winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to the state competition and ultimately to the national finals. Last year, more than 300,000 students participated in the Poetry Out Loud program in 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The winner of the Kentucky state finals, to be held in March 2012 in Frankfort, will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip with an adult chaperone to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national championship. The state winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. The first runner-up will receive $100, with $200 going to his or her school library. The program culminates with the national finals in Washington, D.C., May 13–15, 2012. A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be awarded at the national finals.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue this program. Our Kentucky champions have been finalists in the national competition in five of the six years of Poetry Out Loud,” said Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “Maybe the 2012 national champion will be a student from one of these 21 Kentucky schools.”

For additional information about Poetry Out Loud in Kentucky, contact Rachel Allen at rachel.allen@ky.gov or 502-564-3757, ext. 486. For a general overview of the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest, go towww.poetryoutloud.org.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

By Corey Alderdice

Students Encouraged to Apply for Kentucky Next-Generation Student Council

October 24, 2011 | Gifted Ed, News | No Comments

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In order to gain valuable feedback from Kentucky students and to engage student leaders in learning by doing, Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday has created the Next-Generation Student Council. This group will meet with the commissioner and Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff, both in person and virtually, to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Kentucky and provide feedback – from a student perspective – on critical issues impacting Kentucky students and schools.

The Next-Generation Student Council is a year-long program for Kentucky public school students in grades 10-12. (NOTE: The members selected for the 2011-12 council will serve from January through June 2012 and will be eligible to reapply for the 2012-13 school year based on applicant criteria.) The council will play a vital role in providing input regarding issues that face education in Kentucky and work with KDE staff to develop ideas that will work to improve and transform education.

The council seeks students with refreshing ideas and thoughtful insight into how we can further improve our schools and student achievement. As such, we encourage students to apply who represent the diverse academic, geographic, demographic and school-size variables particular to our state.

Below are the application and FAQs for the council. Please read the FAQs prior to completing the application.Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, November 30.

A committee of KDE representatives will review and score all applications based on the answers provided to the questions. Appointments to the council will be based on how well the applicants communicated their ideas and goals. Then, 11 students will be selected for the council to serve during the 2011-12 school year.

Commissioner Holliday looks forward to getting to know this inaugural council and using the time together to generate results-oriented dialogue and solutions.

The application and supplemental FAQ file are available on the KDE Website.

By Corey Alderdice

Kentucky Education Commissioner to Host Twitter Town Hall

September 29, 2011 | Gifted Ed, News, People | No Comments

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Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday will participate in the first-ever #AskDocH Twitter Town Hall on Thursday, October 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. The town hall also will be presented live on the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) webcast channel.

Beginning today, Twitter users can submit questions to Commissioner Holliday using the hashtag #AskDocH.

“Communications is a priority for this agency,” said Holliday, a longtime user of Twitter (@kycommissioner), Facebook, blogs and other forms of electronic communications. “It’s important that we reach as many audiences as possible, and conducting this Twitter Town Hall provides direct feedback from and conversation with educators, parents, students, elected officials and others.”

KDE uses the KDE Twitter feed to share information and converse with the education community and the residents of Kentucky.

On Oct. 6, the live webcast of Commissioner Holliday’s Twitter Town Hall can be viewed here. To listen and/or watch, you must have Windows Media Player installed on your workstation. Once Windows Media Player is installed, simply click on the appropriate link to hear audio-only or view the video with audio.

To install Windows Media Player on your device, please click the appropriate link below.

Download the Windows version of Windows Media Player.

Download the Macintosh version of Windows Media Player.

For more information contact Lisa Gross at lisa.gross@education.ky.gov.

By Corey Alderdice

Academy Executive Director Honored with State’s Annual Acorn Award

September 23, 2011 | News, People, Staff, WKU | No Comments

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Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies at WKU, is one of two recipients of the Acorn Awards for teaching excellence, given annually to outstanding professors at Kentucky’s colleges and universities—one for a professor at a four-year college or university and one at a two-year institution.

Dr. Julia Roberts (left) received the Acorn Award on Sept. 23 in Lexington. WKU President Gary Ransdell (right) said Dr. Roberts is “a world leader in the education of gifted and talented students. Our gifted children are fortunate to have Julia Roberts leading this important sector of education in Kentucky.” (Photo courtesy of CPE)

David L. Cooper, professor of English and African-American history at Jefferson Community and Technical College, was also honored. Both recipients received a $5,000 honorarium and inscribed plaque.

The awards were presented Friday (Sept. 23) at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Conference on Postsecondary Education Trusteeship in Lexington, sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Kentucky’s colleges and universities.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said Dr. Roberts is a superb teacher, scholar and researcher.

“She has been singled out by our faculty as a University Distinguished Professor. She is the holder of the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies,” he said. “More important, however, is her long and impressive record of innovation in creating WKU’s Center for Gifted Studies and the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. She has become a world leader in the education of gifted and talented students. Our gifted children are fortunate to have Julia Roberts leading this important sector of education in Kentucky.”

Dr. Roberts, known as Dr. Julia on campus, said she was honored “to be recognized as a productive faculty member in the field of education, specifically in gifted education; for initiating and directing programming for gifted children and young people; and for leadership in state, national and international organizations in gifted education.”

Dr. Roberts has 46 years of teaching experience, including 35 at WKU. She is president-elect of The Association for the Gifted (a division of the Council for Exceptional Children), a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and co-chair of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee of the National Association for Gifted Children. She is also a member of the board of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education and the Kentucky Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education.

Dr. Roberts, a native of Kirksville, Mo., holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri.

In his nomination letter, Dr. Ransdell said she was a brilliant teacher and a tireless advocate for gifted children, their families and their educators. During her tenure at WKU, programs she has led have touched more than 30,000 students, he said.

“The wonderful young people with whom I have had the privilege of working are the highlight of my career,” Dr. Roberts said.

Other high points include:

Being named one of the 55 most influential people in the history of gifted education
Serving as the founder and executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies, which is celebrating its 30^th year of providing services to children and young people, educators and parents
Opening the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky after 10 years of advocating for a residential school for high school juniors and seniors with both talent and a high interest in careers in science, technology, engineering or math
Bringing the international headquarters of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children to WKU.

Nancy Green, executive director of the National Association for Gifted Children, said Dr. Roberts has a national reputation as a mentor and instructor to teacher candidates, classroom teachers and parents.

“Through her longstanding and tireless commitment to teaching and education, Dr. Roberts has truly made a difference in both the field of gifted education and in the classroom,” she said. “Whether it’s through direct influence on children through Western Kentucky University’s summer programs or through a more strategic impact via national advocacy efforts, Julia Roberts is that rare leader who understands both how to shape policy on behalf of many and to directly touch lives one at a time.”

The Kentucky Advocates first presented the Acorn Awards in 1992. Recipients are chosen based on recommendations by faculty and students as well as self-written essays about their philosophy of teaching.

Contact: Julia Roberts, (270) 745-6323; or Sue Patrick at CPE, (502) 573-1652 ext. 308.

By Corey Alderdice

11 Gatton Academy Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

September 15, 2010 | Academics, News, Student Success | No Comments

Nearly 20% of Gatton Academy seniors have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor which potentially opens the door college scholarship opportunities. In all, 11 members of the Class of 2011 will go on to the next round of the competition.

Over 1.5 million students in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Students are tested in math, critical reasoning, and writing. The 16,000 Semifinalists honored are the highest-scoring entrants in their state and represent less than 1 percent of each state’s high school seniors.

For these Gatton Academy seniors, it’s a great way to begin their final year of high school even as they focus on the college admissions process ahead. According to Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott, this is just the beginning of a busy—and rewarding—year.

“With this recognition, these students have earned a key that will open tremendous educational opportunities,” Gott said. “We look forward to seeing what these students will accomplish in the days ahead.”

To be considered in the rigorous competition for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by meeting additional standard and fulfilling several requirements. These include having a record of very high academic performance of college preparatory course work, submitting SAT scores that confirm PSAT performance, and being fully endorsed and recommended by a high school official.

Gatton Academy students honored in the program are recognized through their sending high school. Since students take the qualifying PSAT exam in October of their junior year of high school, much of the preparation stems from learning opportunities during their freshman and sophomore years of high school. The Gatton Academy builds on those experiences to provide students with a robust application and preparation for the SAT, a critical component in becoming a finalist.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a National Merit semifinalist,” Gott said. “These remarkable young people have been strongly prepared by their home high schools and the Gatton Academy is privileged to be able to contribute to the ongoing education of these outstanding students.”

2011 Gatton Academy National Merit Semifinalists:
Michael Bowie (Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Fayette County)
Katherine Goebel (Shelby County High School, Shelby County)
Justine Missik (Boyle County High School, Boyle County)
Tejas Sangoi (Daviess County High School, Daviess County)
Tyler Scaff (Oldham County High School, Oldham County)
Natalie Schieber (Elizabethtown High School, Hardin County)
Sarah Schrader (Greenwood High School, Warren County)
Jonathan Serpico (Elizabethtown High School, Hardin County)
Josh Song (Bowling Green High School, Warren County)
Paras Vora (Daviess County High School, Daviess County)
Kelsey Wagner (Bullitt East High School, Bullitt County)

Finalists will be named in winter 2011.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Graduates Top State ACT Averages for Third Consecutive Year

August 18, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Student Success, Students | No Comments

The Gatton Academys Class of 2010 — The Gatton Academy's Class of 2010

Students at Western Kentucky University’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky outperformed their high school peers for the third consecutive year on the American College Test (ACT).

On Wednesday, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the results for the recently graduated Class of 2010. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 31.0 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 11.6 points ahead of the statewide average.

As mandated by state law, all Kentucky public school juniors participate in the ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Many college-bound senior take the test at least one more time during high school.

In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy graduates scored an average of 30.8 in English, 31.3 in mathematics, 31.1 in reading and 30.3 in science.

Academy administrators were pleased with the improvement in scores between since the class was admitted as sophomores in spring 2008. The average composite and math scores increased by 2.2 points.

The exceptional scores come as no surprise to Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy.

“It should come as no surprise that our students do well on the ACT since they were selected from among the top students in the state,” Gott said. “What pleases me most is the amount of growth from their sophomore year to their senior year. Going from an average composite of 28.8 to 31.0 is a substantial jump. This reveals the work ethic of the students and the rigor of our curriculum.”

Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, added that Gatton Academy students showed strength not only in math but across the English and critical reasoning sections of the exam as well.

“Because the emphasis of the Gatton Academy is math and science, many individuals are surprised to learn our students are equally outstanding in the classroom in subjects across the academic spectrum,” Alderdice said. “Though our students intend to pursue advanced careers that require substantial study in math and science, we are pleased to know they are growing as problem-solvers and critical thinkers, skills that are crucial to a 21st century economy.”

Statewide, the 45,763 graduating seniors taking the exam received an average composite score of 19.4. In the individual subjects, students scored an average of 18.9 in English, 19.1 in mathematics, 19.7 in reading, and 19.5 in science.

Alderdice is also quick to share the success of Gatton Academy students on the test with their local sending districts. Students’ scores are included in the average of their local school on this and other required assessments, an important component in the shared relationship between the program and high schools from across the state.

“We hope to be viewed as an extension of every school and district in the state,” Alderdice said. “The scores are only possible with the combined preparation students received from their home institutions and continued study at the Gatton Academy. We are excited that districts are partnering with us to provide appropriate challenges while helping students grow academically and socially.”

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

By Corey Alderdice

Summer 5Q: Torey Gilkison Researches with the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife

June 22, 2010 | 5Q, People, Research, Students, Summer | No Comments

Victoria “Torey” Gilkison (Anderson County, ‘11) is spending the summer before her senior year near the water, but not in the same way most teens do.

As a rising high school senior, she is performing research with aquatic plants at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Center for Mollusk Conservation in Frankfort, KY under the direction of Dr. Monte McGregor, a biologist and researcher there.

Gilkison was one of eleven students from the Gatton Academy’s class of 2011 who received a Research Internship Grant from the Academy for this summer. The Research Internship Grants are available to Gatton Academy students in the summer between their junior and senior years to support students during summer research experiences.

Gilkison’s summer research builds upon the botanical research she did with Dr. Albert Meier of WKU’s Department of Biology during her first year at the Academy. Torey recently took some time away from her summer research with Dr. McGregor to answer some questions.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you are participating this summer that the Research Internship Grant is funding.

I am designing and building three separate aquaponic systems as a basis for my research. An aquaponic system is a way to use plant filtration to help improve the water quality for other organisms, in my case mussels, to live in. On top of noting the effect of the plant growth or presence on the mussel I will also be testing an all organic fertilizer to a regular fertilizer to see if this affects the mussel growth in any way.

2. What is the part of the summer experience you are enjoying most?

The part that I am most excited about this summer is the fact that I get to take part in hands-on research that could help Dr. McGregor in his research later on. I am also enjoying learning about all the different aquatic organisms including mussels and plants. There may be a point this summer when I will be able to go out into the field and assist Dr. McGregor in gathering plant or mussel species for his research.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Most high school students either spend their time at home or out with their friends, they don’t get the opportunity to participate in research. Research is something that benefits a person for the rest of their life because it develops problem-solving skills. So the fact that I get to partake in research really prepares me for work that I am going to be doing in the future.

4. Will you be using this research experience as a launching point for any particular applications, competitions, or scholarships?

I am going to use my research work to enter into the Siemens Competition.

5. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

I hope to major in Botany. By doing this research it allows me to work with plants and to get a hands-on feel for whether this is really the area I want to be working in or not.

6. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I am looking forward to taking more specific classes that will get me closer to my major in Botany and choosing classes that will benefit me specifically for where I want to be in life.

By Corey Alderdice

Jones, Pritchett Named Candidates for 2010 Presidential Scholars Program

March 16, 2010 | News, People, Student Success | No Comments

Jordan Jones (Kenton ’10) and Sarah Pritchett (Clark ’10) are among sixty high school juniors and seniors completing high school at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.

At this time of the year, their thoughts—and those of other seniors across the country—are on college admissions and scholarships. Recently, the two students received word that they’re part of a group even more select than the Gatton Academy.

Both Jones and Pritchett were named candidates for the 2010 Presidential Scholarship Program.

For Jones, the news of the honor came as a bit of a surprise.

“I’m more excited now that I understand what the program is,” she said. “Before I got nominated, I’d never heard of it. It’s nice to receive recognition for doing well on a standardized test, but intimidating at the same time, because I know every other candidate performed well, too.”

All graduating high school seniors who are citizens of the United States and have scored exceptionally well on either the SAT or the ACT college admission test during the two-year window that begins in September, 2007 and runs through October, 2009, are automatically considered for participation.

For Academy students, the ACT and SAT are tests they have experienced since middle school.

“I didn’t ever get too nervous about the ACT and SAT,” Pritchett said. “In fact, I think I felt more relaxed taking them than I do when I take regular exams for one of my classes. It also helps me to take each

section as it comes, instead of focusing on the fact that the entire test will take three to four hours.”

The U.S. Department of Education then looks at test records for the top 30 males and top 30 females in each of the states/jurisdictions. The combined file of scores from the top male examinees and top female examinees are then ranked from high to low in each state. The scores associated with the top 20 male examinees and top 20 female examinees are used to identify the candidates in each state. When ties occur in the cut off score, more than 20 persons of that gender are selected in that state.

After being notified of their selection, Jones and Pritchett submitted candidacy materials, including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.

Many of those achievements and experiences will come from the time they’ve spent as students at the Gatton Academy.

“The Gatton Academy has provided me with so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had at a regular high school,” Jones said. “Besides receiving a more rigorous education, I’ve developed good relationships

with the professors and great friendships with other students–from Gatton and WKU–and I’ve been able to pursue interests outside of academics. There are still difficult moments, but at the end of each day I remember how thankful I am to have this privilege. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the Gatton Academy.”

Pritchett added that the Academy helped her grow both academically and as a person.

“Choosing to apply to the Academy was one of the best decisions I have made,” she said. “It has opened so many opportunities, from research to the chance to be a part of such a close community.”

Later this month, approximately 500 semifinalists are chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Six to twenty semifinalists are identified for each state/jurisdiction by the review committee. The number of semifinalists identified per state/jurisdiction is based on a proportionate number of test takers for that state.

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of the 121 students. One young man and one young woman are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, up to 15 students are chosen at large.

A list of students nationwide selected as Candidates for the President Scholars Program is available online at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/2010/candidates.pdf.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice (270) 745-6565.

By Corey Alderdice

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