Out of a class of only 48 juniors at Model Laboratory High School, five have been named Governor’s Scholars for 2016.
The school-record quintet will join approximately 1,000 other students from across the Commonwealth for the five-week academic enrichment program this summer, held jointly on three college campuses.
Model also boasts one participant in the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) and one Gatton Academy enrollee.
The five Governor’s Scholars are Nate Frisbie, Harry Moberly, Mallory Smith, Abigail Vicars and Linda Yoder. Mac Ertel was accepted into the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, and Harper Sewells will attend the Gatton Academy.
Frisbie, who plans to pursue studies in a science- or math-related field and then a law degree, said his enrollment in EKU classes while at Model had allowed him to “become more responsible and get a feel for what it is like to be in a college environment. I am so excited about this opportunity because it will allow me to learn about possible careers while also having lots of fun with other people from across Kentucky.”
Moberly said Model faculty and administrators, especially guidance counselor Jamie Worley, “encouraged my participation in a wide variety of activities, service to others and leadership opportunities.” He also cited English classes with teacher Rodney Rhodus that prepared him for completing the “lengthy” application and writing his essay. Moberly plans to obtain a degree in economics or accounting and then attend law school.
Model “pushes its students to succeed and compete for opportunities like this,” said Smith, who plans to pursue a career in law. “Model also requires service hours and participation in a club or sport yearly. This push made my whole GSP application come together and has essentially put me where I am today.”
Vicars, who plans to study business and English in college, said her time at Model had prepared her to be a leader, “and to go above and beyond. I will work hard to learn as much as I can while having fun and making memories at the same time.”
Yoder, who plans to pursue a biomedical engineering degree, said her teachers “gave me the confidence to apply and the work ethic to put my full effort into it.”
The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, in only its fourth year, was established to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among high school students and give them the tools necessary to turn their ideas for products and services into reality.
Ertel, who wants to pursue a career as a physician or “something with technology,” said he is excited to have the opportunity at GSE to “create something new that could help society.”
Sewells, who will attend The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors housed at Western Kentucky University, said, “The work ethic required to thrive at Model prepared me for the rigorous application process.” Sewells plans a career in science.
Inset photos: Sewells (top) and Ertel (below)