Corbin High School student Daniel Thelen was one of 83 students, who graduated from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science on May 10.
Thelen was also named a “Community Scholar.” These graduates are recognized for completing two semesters of research with a research outcome that is presented to a professional audience after being accepted through a vetted process or four semesters of participation in STEM+, and documenting 60 hours of service.
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 ceremony took place at Van Meter Hall and was broadcast online for extended friends and family to enjoy.
Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy, opened the day’s ceremony by recognizing Kentucky’s legislators, Western Kentucky University administrators and faculty, Gatton Academy staff and alumni, Kentucky educators, and the friends and family members of the Class of 2025.
Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director of The Gatton Academy and Director of The Center for Gifted Studies, applauded the Class of 2025’s accomplishments saying, “Gatton Academy graduates, you have created an exceptional record during your two years as you have completed high school and launched your college career simultaneously. You have engaged in research, presenting at conferences and sharing your research on campus, as well as at conferences across the country.”
To the graduating class, Roberts remarked, “Although you are being recognized as high school graduates today, you are atypical high school graduates. Congratulations to each of you!”
The Class of 2025 represents 39 counties from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Fifteen members of the class were selected as National Merit semi-finalists. 65 percent of graduates participated in faculty-sponsored research during their Gatton Academy experience.
These seniors completed 4,381 hours of community service over two years, an average of nearly 53 hours per graduate.
Danny Dunn, a Trustee of the Bill Gatton Foundation, was invited to be the commencement speaker this year in addition to the day’s gift announcement of $5 million to The Gatton Academy.
Dunn honored Mr. Gatton’s legacy sharing some of his words of wisdom with the Class of 2025, “He thought it was important to study an area that you love, that you enjoy, that you like…. He said be completely honest and have integrity … He would tell you to work hard. You cannot be afraid to work.”
