CCHS Sophomore Ella Martin Selected for The Gatton Academy at WKU

Calloway County High School sophomore Ella Martin has been selected into The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University as a part of the Class of 2028. Only 97 sophomores in the state were accepted into the academy, marking its 21st incoming class.

Students at The Gatton Academy will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall at WKU.  At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies from WKU.

Martin is a standout academic at CCHS with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She is active in the school’s Academic Team, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, and Beta Club. She also volunteers at Journey Church and works part time at Culver’s. She is the daughter of Jarrod and Sarah Martin.

Applicants were evaluated based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards and accomplishments, extracurricular activities, responses to essay and short answer questions, and recommendation forms. In addition to these criteria, candidates were invited to interview with WKU faculty members, community leaders from across the Commonwealth, and Gatton Academy alumni.

“Each year during the admissions process we have the opportunity to meet incredible young people from all over the Commonwealth who are seeking opportunities to take the most advanced coursework possible in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said the Director of The Gatton Academy, Dr. Lynette Breedlove. “Members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2028 are remarkable representatives of their communities ready to explore their infinite possibilities.”

The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students enhance their creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline through the companionship of peers, university courses, faculty-led research, and study abroad, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Moreover, The Gatton Academy assists in preparing Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers with ties to the state.

The Gatton Academy provides a rich living and learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features clubs, organizations, and community service. Additionally, students are able to participate in advanced research with WKU faculty members. Research conducted during students’ time at The Gatton Academy has been honored in the nationally competitive Regeneron Science Talent Search, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and published in scientific journals. Study abroad opportunities allow students to participate in global learning experiences in locations such as Costa Rica and England.

The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first state-supported, two-year residential program for high school students with interests in advanced science and math careers and is one of only 15 such programs in the nation. 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.