MHS Apirada Chetawatee Selected to Attend The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky with 102 Kentucky sophomores for the Class of 2022.
Murray, Ky., April 24---------Apirada Chetawatee (Murray High School sophomore) was selected as one of Kentucky’s sophomores for the Gatton Academy Class of 2022. Chetawatee and selected students will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall, located on Western Kentucky University’s Campus in Bowling Green, Ky. At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours. Students from 47 counties represent the Class of 2022.
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, Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, and Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The majority of Gatton Academy students also participate in a study abroad or global learning experience in locations such as Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, England and China.
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. Named to The Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students for nine consecutive years, The Gatton Academy’s goal is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky.
"The Commonwealth is full of outstanding students and we are thrilled to welcome 102 of them to the Gatton Class of 2022! This class, like those who have come before them, is from all across the state and made up of students with wide ranging interests in STEM fields,” said Director of The Gatton Academy, Dr. Lynette Breedlove. “There are always more talented students searching for advanced learning opportunities than we can serve. We recognize that public schools in Kentucky are working hard to find innovative ways to support the needs of all their students.”
Applicants were evaluated based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards, extracurricular activities, responses to essay and short answer questions, and letters of recommendation. In addition to these criteria, earlier this month, 189 candidates were invited to interview with WKU faculty members, community leaders from across the Commonwealth, and Gatton Academy alumni.
The selected students scored an average composite of 30.58 on the ACT and 30.23 on the mathematics portion of the exam. The highest possible score is a 36.
Tony Jarvis, Murray High Principal, states "We are so excited for Apirada as she continues at Gatton Academy. We will miss seeing her at Murray High but wish her the very best as she continues her education."
Chetawatee is the daughter of Mayuree and Apichai from Murray