Beech Tree News Network

Celebration of Commencement Weekend at WKU continued Saturday as The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2013. Alonna Ballinger, of Morgantown, was a member of the class. She is the daughter of Tom and Denise Ballinger.

Sixty-nine students representing 51 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized during the ceremony in Van Meter Hall. The ceremony honored the Gatton Academy’s sixth graduating class.

Gatton Academy Executive Director Dr. Julia Roberts expressed that the graduation ceremony was a celebration for the entire Commonwealth.

“The Gatton Academy brings joy and promise to the Commonwealth,” Dr. Roberts said. “In its sixth year, students have demonstrated their interests in STEM and talent for learning at challenging levels. Congratulations to the graduates and to their parents."

Gatton Academy Director Dr. Tim Gott shared his appreciation for the Western Kentucky University faculty members in making the Gatton Academy both a challenging and rewarding experience for students.

“One of the main reasons for our success as a school is the rich partnership with WKU professors. The ability to take the lid off of curricular options for students allows them to pursue STEM content to the highest levels,” Dr. Gott said. “In addition to the depth of courses, our students have been able to conduct research alongside these professors and have gained insights into the STEM disciplines that could not happen in a traditional environment.”

Ninety-four percent of seniors participated in faculty-sponsored research during their time at the Academy. Research accomplishments include a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship winner and honorable mention, four National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates, and two National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Scientists in Taiwan.

State Sen. Robert Stivers II, President of the Kentucky Senate, delivered the commencement address. Sen. Stivers is the father of Gatton Academy alumnus Caroline Stivers.

Sen. Stivers challenged the students to continue to strive for excellence. “You came with potential and you blossomed,” he said. “Go out, find your piece of the world, and change it.”

Kesi Neblett, a graduating senior from Russellville, reminded her fellow graduates of the friendships that they have made and challenges they have overcome together during their time at the Gatton Academy.

“We found much more than academic shelter and personal enlightenment, we found a home creating friends that we can truly call family,” said Neblett. “We took the hits, and together, we made it here. Together we created an exhilarating bond that connects us psychologically, academically, and physically.”

Neblett’s sentiments were echoed by David Brown, a graduating senior from Central City, who spoke of the academic rigor of the Gatton Academy and support from his classmates.

“Over the past couple of weeks, I have talked with or listened to many of you reminiscing about our time here. And, in some form or fashion, one thing always seemed to come up: it was hard,” Brown said. “Looking back on it all, one may wonder how we did it. But I think it’s pretty obvious: we did it together.”

Gatton Academy students take advanced coursework in mathematics, science and other subjects completing both their high school and Gatton Academy requirements. On average, Gatton students earned more than 70 hours of college credit. Dr. Gott recognized how the academic challenges of the Gatton Academy have prepared the Class of 2013 for their future endeavors.

“By choosing to come to the Gatton Academy, these students have embraced one of the most rigorous high school curriculums possible. In doing so, they have had to learn new strategies to be academically successful,” Dr. Gott said. “This has led to an expanded skill set that will equip them for success in any college environment. Most importantly, they will move on to be ambassadors for Kentucky in their chosen fields as they continue to pursue a path of excellence.”

In the fall of 2013, students from the graduating class will attend 20 schools across the United States: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Bellarmine University, Belmont University, Berry College, University of California at Santa Barbara, Columbia University, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, John Hopkins University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Morehead State University, University of Pennsylvania, Rice University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Southern Methodist University, Stanford University, Transylvania University, Washington University in St. Louis, and WKU.  Two-thirds of graduates plan to attend college in Kentucky with 19 continuing their studies at WKU. Four-year scholarships totaling more than $12 million were offered to the graduating class with more than $4 million in scholarships accepted.