WKU News

While students at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science are typically known for their talents and passions in the STEM fields, Gatton Academy and Bowling Green High School student Ariti Gani has additional interests in writing and poetry. The high school junior has been writing stories from a young age and is now receiving attention for her essays and poems.

Gani was selected as a winner in both the essay and poetry portion of Kentucky’s Dr. MLK Jr. State Commission Contest for grades 9-12. Gani’s essay, “Warped Logic,” discusses inequalities in America and her passion for progress while her poem demonstrates themes of persistence and healing. This achievement was recognized on January 12 at the Annual Awards Ceremony at the Kentucky Historical Society.

When asked why she loves to write, Gani stated, “It gives me the freedom to explore different topics using my own voice, writing things that are important to me and sharing it with the world. Any piece of writing can be important so long as it comes from your own voice. For me, I try to write about anything – whether it’s issues affecting the world that need to be talked about more or for myself – in my free time.”

Gani plans to pursue writing long-term and major in English upon graduation. Currently, she stays busy participating in statistics research, Western Kentucky University’s University Singers Choir, and, of course, writing.

“In my time with Ariti, she has shared how much she loves writing, and the MLK competition provided the perfect format for her to utilize that passion and express her gratitude and belief in the teachings of Dr. King,” said Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, Gatton’s Coordinator of Academic Opportunities. “We are happy to have her here in the Gatton community, where our code of Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Equality, and Diversity is embodied in our students’ daily lives.”

Pieces of Gani’s work, “Confidence” and “Generational Trauma,” have also been published in the LA Review and can be found online.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 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.