(Western Kentucky University)
BOWLING GREEN – The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently recognized 33 educators from across the Commonwealth for their support of high ability students. The educators were recognized at the program’s May 6 Commencement in Van Meter Hall on the campus of Western Kentucky University.
The Gatton Academy established the Gatton Academy Educator Recognition Program in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate the support students receive from teachers, counselors, gifted and talented specialists, and principals along their educational journeys. Educators play key roles in encouraging students to develop their strengths, explore topics of interest, and set lofty goals. Students often learn of the opportunities The Gatton Academy offers through educators who recognize their potential.
Gatton Academy graduates were invited to nominate one educator from a Kentucky school to be recognized at graduation. Selected educators received a certificate of recognition, a specific message of gratitude from their nominating student(s), and were invited to stand to be acknowledged as their names were read during The Gatton Academy commencement ceremony.
The following educators were recognized by the Class of 2023:
Amanda Abell, Caverna Independent School District
Natasha Averett, Boone County Schools
Leann Blair, Hardin County Schools
Maggie Bobel, Fayette County Public Schools
Michael Budniak, Trinity High School
Rita CronHines, Jefferson County Public Schools (retired)
James Davis, Warren County Public Schools
Julie Duff, Harrison County Schools
Stacy French, Grayson County Schools
Traci Gillock, Hardin County Schools
Ashlee Grace, Christian County Public Schools
Leah Graham, Berea Independent School District
Alison Gregory, Kentucky Department of Education (formerly Graves County Schools)
Laura Hackney, Ashland Independent Schools
Kristy Halteman, Carlisle County Schools
Francis Harris, Laurel County Public Schools
Roger Hurst, Harrison County Schools
Tiffany Hynes, Pope County Community Unit School District, IL (formerly Livingston County Schools)
Kim Kyle, Scott County Schools
Matt Ledford, Jessamine County Schools
Jonathan Leohr, Daviess County Public Schools
Rose Nash, Spencer County Schools
Michele Nevitt, Hancock County Schools
Amar Patel, Warren County Public Schools
Stella Pollard, Franklin County Schools
Brian Ray, Jefferson County Public Schools
LoriAnn Redmon, Owensboro Catholic High School
Pablo Sanchez, Christian County Schools
Jon Summerville, Graves County Schools
Renee Watkins, Warren County Public Schools
Julie Webb, Shelby County Public Schools
Rhonda Wicker, Calloway County Schools
Christa Winarski, Breckinridge County Schools