WKU News

The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently recognized 26 educators from across the Commonwealth for their support of high ability students. The educators were recognized at the program’s May 4 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 2024:

Ashley Berlin, Marnel C Moorman School, Shelby County Public Schools

Travis Blankenship, Berea Community High School, Berea Independent School District

Morgan Brogli, Garrard County High School, Garrard County Schools

Laura Broyles, Anchorage Public School, Anchorage Independent School District

Angie Bussell, Rockcastle County High School, Rockcastle County Schools

Rendi Carter, Monroe County Middle School, Monroe County School District

Greg Conley, Marion County High School, Marion County Public Schools

Megan Darnell, Ballard High School, Jefferson County Public Schools

Jennifer Dooley, Edmonson County High School, Edmonson County Schools

Lisa Edmonds, Larry A. Ryle High School, Boone County Schools

Karen Edwards, Model Laboratory High School, Model Laboratory Schools

Mimi Gibson, North Marshall Middle School, Marshall County Schools

Devin Godby, Russell County High School, Russell County Schools

Kendra Heyman, Bowling Green High School, Bowling Green Independent Schools

Ashley Hill, Kentucky Department of Education

Elizabeth Hinton, Spencer County High School, Spencer County Schools

Melissa Joiner, Bowling Green Junior High School, Bowling Green Independent Schools

Jilliane McCardle, Model Laboratory High School, Model Laboratory Schools

Deanna Morris, University of Kentucky Medical School

Amar Patel, South Warren High School, Warren County Public Schools

Keith Philips, Western Kentucky University

Dawn Roy, duPont Manual High School, Jefferson County Public Schools

Kevin Scahill, Highlands Latin School

Tyler Scroggins, Simon Kenton High School, Kenton County School District

Jeremy Smith, Franklin-Simpson High School, Simpson County Schools

Amanda Staggs, Bowling Green Junior High School, Bowling Green Independent 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.