Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
East Carter High School (ECHS) sophomores Jacob Holbrook, Alena McCall, Kaylee Lawhorn, Aubrey Watson, and Delaney Burton have been accepted to Morehead State University’s Craft Academy for displaying excellence in science and mathematics.
“These students doubled up on math courses and completed the ACT early in order to meet the requirements for the application process. They have all worked diligently to achieve the accomplishment,” said high school counselor Bill Billman.
“The faculty and staff at ECHS are extremely proud of each of them,” he added.
The program is a dual-credit academy and is designed specifically to meet the unique educational needs of high school juniors and seniors throughout the Commonwealth that have an interest in advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
“Although they are leaving our campus to become Eagles, they are still dually enrolled as Raiders,” said Billman of the five sophomores.
Students enrolled in the academy gain postsecondary residential experience by completing rigorous courses and taking part in hands-on learning opportunities. Courses emphasize innovation, civic and regional engagement, and design and creativity all while preparing students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to get a jump start on their career.
Billman said he had high hopes for these students as they persevered through the application and interview process. In addition to their outstanding academic performance, he noted that the process of getting into the academy required hours of hard work and dedication from the students.
The program is highly competitive and admits a limited number of students each year. Selection for the program is based on the students’ ACT scores, academic grades from ninth and tenth grades, and responses to essay questions on the initial application as well as one-on-one interviews with members of the Academy Selection Committee. Student recommendations are also taken into consideration. Three letters of recommendation are required to attest to the applicant’s preparedness for the program.
Over the past seven years, ten Raiders have attended the Craft Academy.
“We have always had a great relationship with The Craft Academy and hope to continue to send our Raiders to this prestigious program at MSU,” said Billman.