Russell County High School’s Jess Christian Rara, the son of Avellino Jess and Diana Rara of Russell Springs, was recently selected to the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.
Rara was one 98 Kentucky sophomores selected for the Class of 2024.
Applicants were evaluated based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards and accomplishments, extracurricular activities, responses to essay and short answer questions, and recommendation forms. In addition to these criteria, candidates were invited to interview with WKU faculty members, community leaders from across the Commonwealth, and Gatton Academy alumni.
The mission of The Gatton Academy is to provide a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.