AUGUST 9, 2015
Lawrence, Martin and Johnson represented in prestigious class…
MOREHEAD, Ky.—The initial class of Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics arrived Sunday, Aug. 9, on the campus of Morehead State University.
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics was designed to meet the unique educational needs of academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors in the Commonwealth. A college-level curriculum will allow students to finish high school while also completing up to two years of university coursework.
“The arrival of the inaugural class of the Craft Academy marks an exciting moment in Morehead State University’s rich history,” said Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, president. “The Craft Academy could have never come to fruition without the inspiration and leadership provided by Sen. (Robert) Stivers, Rep. (Rocky) Adkins, the Kentucky General Assembly and through the generosity of Joe Craft. We are delighted to have the students and their families here on campus.”
State lawmakers budgeted $2.3 million to establish the Academy. Businessman Joe Craft pledged $4 million during the next several years in support of the Academy. Craft’s gift is the single largest cash gift in the history of MSU.
The Craft Academy will offer unique, project-based STEM+X courses that will enrich educational experiences and develop competencies in entrepreneurship and innovation, design and creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
Students will live on campus in Grote-Thompson Hall, which has been remodeled for with meeting and social space and 24/7 staffing. Counselors and advisors also will be available.
“This first class of scholars includes some of most academically talented students from across the Commonwealth, and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” said Dr. Carol Christian, director of the Craft Academy. “Our staff has done a tremendous amount of work preparing for today, and we are looking forward to getting classes underway.”
Students were selected based on ACT and SAT scores, academic grades from their first two years of high school, interest in advanced STEM careers, responses to application essay questions, interview by the Academy selection committee and recommendations from teachers and others who could attest to the student’s need and preparedness for the program.
At the end of the two years, students will have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours, finished high school and have the opportunity to further their education at MSU or transfer to any other college/university in Kentucky or elsewhere.
Students from the tri-county area chosen for the Academy are:
Lawrence County: Nicholas M. Kessinger, son of Michael and Leah Kessinger, from Lawrence County High School.
Lawrence County: Alan Lin, son of Saiyun Wu and Tong Lin, from Lawrence County High School.
Lawrence County: Jeremy Shane Webb, son of Jesse and Molly Meek and E.R. and Brenda Webb, from Lawrence County High School.
Martin County: Colby Braxton Muncy, son of Ronnie Little and Rhonda Muncy, from Sheldon Clark High School.
Martin County: Carissa Carolann Sweeney, daughter of Claudine ‘Tootie’ Sweeney, from Sheldon Clark High School.
Johnson County: Lauren K. Endicott, daughter of Michael and Emily Endicott, from Johnson Central High School.
Johnson County: Tyler Duane Ratliff, son of Charles and Michell Ratliff, from Johnson Central High School.
Johnson County: Rylea Jayde Salyer, daughter of Tracy Wireman and Scott Salyer, from Johnson Central High School.
Johnson County: Wesley Dalton Slone, son of Virgil Slone, Jr. and Robin Slone, from Johnson Central High School.
