Two CHS students admitted to The Gatton Academy

The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, which is located at Western Kentucky University (WKU), has selected 98 Kentucky sophomores for the Class of 2024, including three local students.

Corbin High School’s Tyler Clifton and Zachary Clifton are both from Knox County and are the sons of Keith and Laura Clifton of Corbin.

South Laurel High School’s Lukas Johnson was also selected. He is the son of Daniel Stacy and Sandra Kay Johnson of London.

“The Gatton Academy’s incoming Class of 2024 is made up of remarkable young people from across the Commonwealth! They have been active in their communities and persevered through a wide variety of educational challenges while seeking to advance their knowledge and skills,” said the Director of The Gatton Academy, Dr. Lynette Breedlove. “They are an inspiring group who have been supported and encouraged by many people in their local schools, districts, and communities.”

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.

The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program on the WKU campus for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Students will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall. At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours.