Gatton Academy selects 95 students for Class of 2026

Janie Slaven, The Sentinel Echo, London, Ky.
·3 min read

Apr. 11—BOWLING GREEN — The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has selected 95 Kentucky sophomores for the Class of 2026, marking The Gatton Academy's 19th incoming class.

"The Class of 2026 is made up of remarkable young people interested in pursuing STEM careers and who are looking for advanced academic opportunities," said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, the Director of The Gatton Academy. "These outstanding students have been engaged in their communities and sought opportunities to grow and help others."

Applicants were evaluated based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards and accomplishments, extracurricular activities, responses to essay and short answer questions, and recommendation forms. In addition to these criteria, candidates were invited to interview with WKU faculty members, community leaders from across the Commonwealth, and Gatton Academy alumni.

Students from 40 counties make up the Class of 2026. Among the students accepted include either the fourth or fifth students accepted in The Gatton Academy's 16-year history from the following counties: Garrard, Metcalfe, and Bourbon. Overall, The Gatton Academy has had students attend from 117 of Kentucky's 120 counties.

The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students enhance their creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline through the companionship of peers, university courses, faculty-led research, and study abroad, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Moreover, The Gatton Academy assists in preparing Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers with ties to the state.

"It is a pleasure to welcome these students to The Gatton Academy," stated Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director of The Gatton Academy and Mahurin Professor of Gifted Education. "The young people in Gatton's Class of 2026 represent Kentucky in many ways, carrying out the goal of The Gatton Academy to enable Kentucky's exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities and develop as future leaders for the Commonwealth."

Students will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall. At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Kentucky University.

The Gatton Academy provides a rich living and learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features clubs, organizations, and community service. Additionally, students are able to participate in advanced research with WKU faculty members. Research conducted during students' time at The Gatton Academy has been honored in the nationally competitive Regeneron Science Talent Search, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and published in scientific journals. Study abroad opportunities allow students to participate in global learning experiences in locations such as Costa Rica and England.

The Gatton Academy is Kentucky's first state-supported, two-year residential program for high school students with interests in advanced science and math careers and is one of only 15 such programs in the nation. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.

Local students selected for The Gatton Academy's Class of 2026 include:

Laurel County

—Areej Ali (North Laurel High School) — Hafiz Sroya, Adeela Bashir of London

—Zaid Salim (North Laurel High School) — Mazhar and Nida Salim of London

Whitley County

—Kambree Bunch (Whitley County High School) — Krystal Miracle and Joshua Bunch of Williamsburg

—Cameron Collett (Whitley County High School) — Samantha and Chris Collett of Williamsburg

—Kara Fuson (Corbin High School) — Adam and Amanda Fuson of Corbin.