Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, April 29, 2011

Four sophomores from Fayette County Public Schools have been accepted at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University.

The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s only state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in advanced science and math careers and one of 16 such programs in the country.

Alexandra Sunnenberg of Henry Clay High School, Samuel Dong of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and Lauren Shields and Ethan Smith of Tates Creek High School are among 73 students accepted for Gatton’s Class of 2013.

They will complete their junior and senior years living in Schneider Hall and taking courses offered by WKU. At the end of their two-year course of study, they will graduate from high school having earned at least 60 college credit hours.

The Gatton Academy provides a rich living/learning environment designed for academically talented adolescents and offers clubs, organizations and community service opportunities. In addition, students can participate in advanced research with WKU faculty members.

The students in this year’s class span 46 counties from across the Commonwealth and have an average ACT score almost 10 points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.

“It is wonderful that Fayette County has nurtured four students to meet the rigorous standards of Gatton who also have the drive and commitment to push themselves both academically and personally,” said parent Trish Smith.