Sophomore Macie Conger has been selected to attend Western Kentucky University’s prestigious Gatton Academy, the state’s first two-year residential STEM program for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. Conger will begin her studies at the academy next fall, joining a class of 95 across the Commonwealth who were admitted based on standardized test scores, GPA, response to essay questions, personal interviews, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. 

Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students attending The Gatton Academy live in a dedicated residence hall and take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned between 60 and 72 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. Gatton students will be able to participate in their home high school events and senior class ceremonies. Upon graduation, they may choose to stay at WKU or transfer to other universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees. 

For Conger, acceptance into the program is the culmination of years of hard work and planning. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the STEM field,” she said, “so after learning about all of the opportunities available at Gatton, I decided that was the path I wanted to pursue.”

High school guidance counselor Stefanie Shoulders said Conger makes only the eighth student in school history to be accepted to Gatton Academy. “She has worked toward this goal for several years,” said Shoulders, “and it is exciting to see her hard work and dedication paying off.”

Conger aspires to earn a degree in mathematical economics and become a financial analyst. She plans to remain at WKU after her two years at Gatton to finish requirements for her profession. Conger credits her many teachers and administrators at Crittenden County for preparing her and supporting her during her academic career. “I can’t wait to see the infinite possibilities that come from this,” she said, “but I’ll always be a Rocket!”