Tag Archive : Move-In

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Arrival of Senior Class Completes Academy “Family” Once More

August 26, 2011 | News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

by Rachel Metcalfe, Academy Avatar

While the Senior Community Leaders moved in a week ago and the new junior students arrived on Sunday, the remaining Gatton Academy seniors were finishing up the last of their summers and preparing for the exciting school year to come. This Wednesday, all the remaining seniors returned and the residence halls are now packed to near capacity.

Many of the returning seniors acted very excited as they arrived in the parking lot of Florence Schneider Hall once again, for their second and last year at the academy. “Although it is bittersweet, I can’t wait to see what the new year brings,” said Annie Wheeler, a senior from Todd County.

Although all of the seniors seemed enthusiastic because they won’t be the lowest on the food chain anymore. “The only downside is we won’t have the older seniors here to help us anymore,” said Rebecca Brown.

Instead, the new seniors have to step up and fill those roles as peer mentors and academic tutors to the first-year students. After discussing the role of seniors with some of the new juniors, they agreed that their seemed to be an empowering  cycle of help at the academy, pointing out that each class takes its turn assisting the first-year students until they eventually become the senior mentors.

Seth Creech, a junior from Powell County, said that he would definitely be asking the senior community leaders on his floor for help, if and when he needed it.

“I am thrilled to have my ‘Gatton Family’ back under the same roof,” explained Taylor Leet, a senior an Community Developer. She said that she couldn’t wait to see her old friends and make even more great memories.

“I enjoyed helping move my old friends back in since I hadn’t seen them in so long,” said Holly Morris, who also serves as a Community Developer. “The family-like closeness that develops at the academy is evident. The students love being around the other students, and making connections makes the academy experience all that more memorable.”

Rachel Stewart, a returning Residential Counselor, added that the level of excitement for the new year has reached a fever pitch in Schneider Hall. “I’m excited for people to return that I already know, and also excited to meet the new students,” she said. “I’m interested to see what the floor dynamic will be with the combination of seniors and juniors, now that everyone is back.”

All in all, the whole “family” is reunited and ready to take on the new school year ahead. The pressure will come soon enough and so will graduation.

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By Corey Alderdice

Empty Nests, Watery Eyes Among Parents of Class of 2013 as Move-In Day Arrives

August 22, 2011 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

by Charlotte Humes, Academy Avatar

Nobody said taking care of a child was easy.

For many parents, moving their child out of the house for the first time is one of the most difficult parts of the experience.  Luckily, despite a quick survey of the activity revealing a few less-than-dry eyes, the overall attitude of the families moving in members of Gatton’s Class of 2013 was clearly positive.

Mark Allen, father of Cecily Allen, commented on this contradiction.  “We’re excited but sad,” a combination I heard echoed by other parents.  He added that this was his daughter’s “first extended period away from home,” but that “coming to orientation and preview weekends really helped.”

The fact that this was the second child to move out the home, he said, “definitely makes it easier.”

Fran Hamilton, the mother of Gabrielle Hamilton, felt similarly.  A true veteran at this, with Gabrielle being her third, and final, child to move out of the house, she said that while she and her husband think it is “easier in some ways with each one you move out, and we are very excited for the great experience for our daughter, losing the youngest, the baby, is definitely toughest.”

She paused before adding, “We’re empty-nesters now.”  No matter how many times the parents had been through this, or what amount of help that offered, it was still a challenge.

Naturally, there was an element of nervousness in their good-byes.  Many parents mentioned that the distance would be difficult to handle. The most common concern was their child’s time management wanting to make sure that they “got their work done and studied.”  Of course, the news that the Academy provides students with the resources to learn about and develop study skills, along with the reminder of mandatory study hours, helped ease parents’ minds, at least on that account.

Despite having the same concerns as any other parent would, Rob Johnson, father of Justin Johnson, weighed in on such things.  “It’s a great opportunity, and I like that he’s moving in now, even though he’s younger.  It gives him a safety net, so he’s able to ask for help and have a second family here, much better than just dropping him off all on his own in two years.”

Other parents repeated his beliefs, expressing relief that they were leaving their children in capable hands.  While it may come as a surprise, age seemed to not bother most of the parents.  “Age doesn’t matter,” said Karen, Justin’s mother.  “He’s always been so mature, and he seems ready, so I’m not bothered.”  Mike and Trish Smith, Ethan’s parents, also mentioned that “the fact that he’s sixteen doesn’t really change anything,” and that, regardless, while “the Academy gives greater challenge and independence, it also provides a lot of support.”

After a quick meeting with the staff, parents were asked to say their final good-byes.  As children and their parents embraced, promising to keep in close contact, all were confident in their decision.  The Academy will provide these 78 students with a second family, along with amazing opportunities, and everyone seemed to recognize this.

The final sentiment I heard echoed all around?  “I love you,” said as parents let their child begin their next grand adventure.

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By Corey Alderdice

Class of 2012 Arrives to Smiling Faces, Big Adventure

August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)
Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)

by Sydney Combs, Academy Avatar

Early Sunday morning, a small army of Community Leaders stood–clad in bright green Gatton Academy attire–ready to swarm the first Class of 2012 student to arrive.  When that lucky junior pulled into the parking lot at 8:15 in the morning, swarm the upperclassmen did.

Like kids to free candy, the Community Leaders flocked to each incoming junior and their family, transporting their belongings from the car to their room before they could even turn around.  After a day of trucks and trunks filled with bins and duffel bags, all first-year students were moved in around two o’clock, ready to begin Adventure Week.

This first step into real life evoked mixed emotions from the students, parents, siblings, and staff members alike.

While Tucker Joyce (Mercer, ’12) moved into his room on the second floor, his grandfather and siblings sat patiently, confident in Tucker’s abilities to succeed at the Academy.  Bryan Joyce, Tucker’s grandfather, seemed at ease, commenting on how his only concern was for his grandchildren and how they would fair missing their brother.  “It’ll be tough,” he stated, “They are all three very close.”

Tucker’s brother Bailey, on the other hand, was more optimistic, focusing instead on how often Tucker will get to come home throughout the year.  When asked how his parents felt about Tucker leaving, Bailey answered, “Well, right now they are pretty protective but I think that will change.  It’s like they are sad to leave, but happy to let him go.”

It seemed like these conflicting feelings ran rampant throughout the parental community, striking victims such as Jay Porter, father of Jaymi Porter (Carter, ’12), “My feelings about Jaymi moving in are mixed; I’m a little sad but mostly excited.  I know Jaymi can handle it.”  However, when asked about moving in, Jaymi stated that she was only a little nervous, but mostly ready to start classes.  She said, “I have been waiting all summer for this and now that I’m here, I’m just ready to jump right in and get started.”

Courageous and anxious for work, Jaymi’s confidence in herself was parallel to that of her parents.  This also appeared to be the case for others such as Nikolaus Dilger, father of Daniel Dilger (Boone, ’12), who exhibited little worry for his son, “No, nope.  Daniel has lived on campus twice and already has friends coming into the program.  The atmosphere here is comfortable and with such unique people, he will undoubtedly feel at home.”  For such a monumental step in the students’ and parents’ lives, the grace of the transition by all members was admirable.

As Academy Director Tim Gott mentioned early Sunday morning, “I am more excited about this year’s move-in than in years past.  The program is getting better every year, and it started out pretty well to begin with.  With the collective wisdom of our Residential Counselors and staff downstairs, I believe our years of experience will come together in a powerful way.”

With the apparent poise of the Junior class, supportive shoes provided by families, guidance from the Academy staff, and a cheering crowd of Seniors, there is no doubt that the recent additions to the Academy will provide a stunning performance.

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By Corey Alderdice

Class of 2010 Returns with High Expectations, Harder Classes

August 27, 2009 | Academics, News | No Comments

The Class of 2010 Returns to Schneider Hall

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.”

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By Corey Alderdice

Schneider Hall Filled with Excitement, Nerves as Adventure Week Begins

August 23, 2009 | News, Parents, Student Life | No Comments

Camille Turner and her mother unpack as the Class of 2011 arrives at Schneider HallYou might say Cate Lauzon has become a pro at helping her daughters head off to college.

If not a pro, at least she’s had practice this week.  Sunday marks the second time in less than seven days that one of her daughters is beginning college—for the first time.  Though the elder is studying at Bellarmine University in Louisville, her youngest daughter Madeline is beginning her first year at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University.

Madeline, along with 65 other Class of 2011 members, moved box after box of bedding, clothes, computers, and other items into Schneider Hall today as Adventure Week began on the WKU campus.  The one-week program provides Gatton Academy students with the opportunity to ease into the transition of life on a university campus while getting to know their peers and classmates at the Gatton Academy.

Cate still smiled as she sorted through another box of her daughter’s possessions.  “I’m kind of worn out.  We’re at the end of a long week.  I suppose I’d be more stressed out, but I’m just too tired.”

Though tired, she is very optimistic about the opportunity Madeline has ahead.  “I want her to really expand her academic life,
she noted. “I want her to see what else is out there and possible that she hasn’t seen yet.  I want her to get excited about all the areas she’s never been exposed to.”

Two floors below the Lauzon’s in Schneider hall, Camille Turner and her mother Carmen also continue the work of unpacking.  When asked what she was most nervous about, she replied, “The work. Just going from the transition from high school to college.”

For many Gatton Academy students, they are leaving behind a traditional high school experience in favor of more challenging courses, the opportunity to conduct research, and making the most of being in a university environment.  These are exactly the kind of opportunities Carmen believes her daughter will have as a student at the Gatton Academy.

“She’s always excelled in high school,” she said. “Camille’s always done well.  There’s no apprehension, so I’m okay with it.  I’m excited for her.  Before she only did research, now she’s doing the real thing.  She’s such a great kid, and she’ll be such a great student.”

Madeline Buhr

The academic rigor is the element of the program that makes study at the Gatton Academy so unique.  For Shawn Kelly, father of Kyle Kelly, he believes it’s the kind of challenge his son and other gifted students need most.  “This is what we’ve been waiting for. This will open doors for him that he never, ever would have had. They need to be challenged.”

The mood around Schneider Hall on Sunday seemed to echo that enthusiasm.  Cheryl Buhr, mother of Madeline Buhr, shared that she was not nervous.  Instead, she seemed excited for her daughter and the experiences she’ll have.  “I’m not really nervous,” she said.  “I’m excited for (Madeline).  I think this is a wonderful opportunity.  The possibilities are just endless.  I know that’s (the Academy’s) saying, but it’s true.  The opportunities she’ll have here are nothing like she would have had in high school.”

For Susan Bowie, this marks the third year in a row she has helped a son move into Schneider Hall.  John, her oldest son, was part of the first class of students selected to attend the Gatton Academy.  A 2009 graduate, he will continue undergraduate work at WKU as his brother Michael begins classes at the Academy.  For her, Adventure Week is about getting students into the right mindset for the coming year.  “With this extra week, students have the chance to get prepared and know the expectations,” Bowie said.

Seeing the growth in the program since its inception only increases Bowie’s confidence in her son studying at the Academy.  “I’m comfortable with it.  I know he’ll be in good hands.”

Even as students make this transition, many see the newness of it as a chance to grow.  For Kyle Kelly, it’s a chance to make a fresh start.  “It’s just a blank slate,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to starting over, a new school with new challenges.”

Life at the Gatton Academy provides students the opportunity to become more independent.  Others look to the possibility of making new friends.  In fact, many have been counting down the days since they received admissions letters in the mail.  “I had a countdown on my calendar,” noted Madeline Lauzon.

While there will quickly be work that needs completion and exams for which to study, students on the whole seem keen on what’s ahead.  In the short term, though, sometimes the hardest part is simply realizing there’s not enough space in the room once the unpacking begins.  “I brought too much stuff,” Lauzon said will a laugh.

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By Corey Alderdice