WKU News

The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently recognized 33 educators from across the Commonwealth for their support of high ability students. The educators were recognized at the program’s May 6 Commencement in Van Meter Hall.

The Gatton Academy established the Gatton Academy Educator Recognition Program in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate the support students receive from teachers, counselors, gifted and talented specialists, and principals along their educational journeys. Educators play key roles in encouraging students to develop their strengths, explore topics of interest, and set lofty goals. Students often learn of the opportunities The Gatton Academy offers through educators who recognize their potential.

Gatton Academy graduates were invited to nominate one educator from a Kentucky school to be recognized at graduation. Selected educators received a certificate of recognition, a specific message of gratitude from their nominating student(s), and were invited to stand to be acknowledged as their names were read during The Gatton Academy commencement ceremony. The following educators were recognized by the Class of 2023:

Amanda Abell, Caverna Independent School District

Natasha Averett, Boone County Schools

Leann Blair, Hardin County Schools

Maggie Bobel, Fayette County Public Schools

Michael Budniak, Trinity High School

Rita CronHines, Jefferson County Public Schools (retired)

James Davis, Warren County Public Schools

Julie Duff, Harrison County Schools

Stacy French, Grayson County Schools

Traci Gillock, Hardin County Schools

Ashlee Grace, Christian County Public Schools

Leah Graham, Berea Independent School District

Alison Gregory, Kentucky Department of Education (formerly Graves County Schools)

Laura Hackney, Ashland Independent Schools

Kristy Halteman, Carlisle County Schools

Francis Harris, Laurel County Public Schools

Roger Hurst, Harrison County Schools

Tiffany Hynes, Pope County Community Unit School District, IL (formerly Livingston County Schools)

Kim Kyle, Scott County Schools

Matt Ledford, Jessamine County Schools

Jonathan Leohr, Daviess County Public Schools

Rose Nash, Spencer County Schools

Michele Nevitt, Hancock County Schools

Amar Patel, Warren County Public Schools

Stella Pollard, Franklin County Schools

Brian Ray, Jefferson County Public Schools

LoriAnn Redmon, Owensboro Catholic High School

Pablo Sanchez, Christan County Schools

Jon Summerville, Graves County Schools

Renee Watkins, Warren County Public Schools

Julie Webb, Shelby County Public Schools

Rhonda Wicker, Calloway County Schools

Christa Winarski, Breckinridge County Schools

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.