McCracken County High School is proud to announce that two students have been accepted into the prestigious The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Class of 2028.
Andrew Byrne, son of Shelley and Paul Byrne of Kevil, and Brynleigh Sullivan, daughter of Alecia Sullivan and Drew Gourieux of Paducah, were among 97 Kentucky sophomores selected for the Academy’s 21st incoming class.
Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University, The Gatton Academy offers a highly competitive, residential program for exceptional high school students with strong interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students were selected through a rigorous admissions process that included evaluation of academic performance, ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and interviews with university faculty, community leaders, and 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 Dr. Lynette Breedlove. “Members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2028 are remarkable representatives of their communities ready to explore their infinite possibilities.”
Students accepted into The Gatton Academy will complete their junior and senior years of high school living on WKU’s campus in Florence Schneider Hall. During their time in the program, students enroll in college-level coursework, participate in faculty-led research, and engage in leadership development and service opportunities. Many students also take part in study abroad experiences in locations such as Costa Rica and England.
Upon completion of the program, students graduate with their high school diploma along with a minimum of 60 college credit hours and an Associate Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies from WKU.
“The Gatton Academy continues to provide an exceptional environment for some of Kentucky’s brightest students,” said Dr. Julia Roberts. “These young scholars will grow as leaders while taking advantage of advanced educational opportunities.”
The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first state-supported, two-year residential program for high school students with a strong interest in STEM fields and is one of only 15 programs of its kind in the nation. Since its founding, the Academy has enrolled students from 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
McCracken County Public Schools congratulates Andrew Byrne and Brynleigh Sullivan on this outstanding accomplishment and wishes them continued success as they begin this exciting academic journey.