WKU News

A team from The Gatton Academy won the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl on February 16.  The DOE National Science Bowl® challenges students’ knowledge in all areas of science, including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.

This is the fourth consecutive year The Gatton Academy has become the West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl champion and advanced to the national tournament. With the win, the team will now travel to the DOE’s National Science Bowl, which is held in Washington, DC from April 26- 30. The DOE provides all-expense paid travel for the winning team to represent west Kentucky in the high school competition. The Gatton Academy’s winning team consists of senior Ethan Brown (McCracken County High School), junior Anas Gondal (Danville High School), senior Benjamin Kash (Greenwood High School), junior Arthur “Jack” Thacker (Eastern High School), and senior Phillip Wilkerson (Russellville High School).

“I am amazed at the accomplishments of The Gatton Academy Science Bowl team this year at the DOE Regional Science Bowl,” said senior and Team Captain Ethan Brown.  “Our team studied hard all year long and made tremendous progress in our ability to work as a team. Getting to take home the trophy once again is a huge honor, and we look forward to participating at the national level!”

Twenty high school teams competed in the day-long regional tournament. 

“The students started practicing even before the school year began,” said Academic Opportunities Coordinator Cheryl Kirby-Stokes. “Gatton is incredibly proud of this wholly student-led initiative, and we look forward to these students representing The Gatton Academy and Kentucky in Washington, D.C.”

During the national competition, The Gatton Academy will compete in the same fast-paced, question-and-answer format that was used in the regional competition.  The students will not be answering questions during the entire trip, as they will also have the opportunity to visit national monuments and museums.

“The Science Bowl is the perfect fit for our students who have been curating science knowledge for years,” states Director of The Gatton Academy Dr. Lynette Breedlove.  “I am proud of their leadership, persistence, and commitment to developing their teamwork.  They will be positive representatives of our school and our state at the national competition.”

Over 9,000 high school students nationwide compete at the regional level.  Only 70 teams, or about 350 high school students in total, proceed to Washington, DC for the National Science Bowl.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented junior 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 mathematical careers. The Gatton Academy has been named to The Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students for nine consecutive years and was named the number one public high school in the United States by The Daily Beast for three consecutive years – 2012, 2013 and 2014.