Academic Excellence
Craft Academy holds first graduation ceremony
Morehead State University’s Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics held its first graduation Saturday, May 13, at Button Auditorium.
A total of 55 students representing 33 counties from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky were recognized the ceremony.
“Today is a day of celebration for Craft Academy graduates and their families,” said Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president. “This inaugural graduation for the class of the Craft Academy marks an exciting moment in Morehead State University’s history. These young people are well prepared for the next steps in their preparation for leadership in STEM careers.”
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics opened in August 2015. Joseph and Kelly Craft of Lexington initially pledged $4 million in support of the Academy, which was the single largest cash gift in the history of the University.
“Joe and Kelly’s commitment to providing unique educational opportunities to academically gifted and talented students will provide lasting impact to Kentucky,” said Dr. Andrews. “Craft Academy students will forever benefit from their legacy.”
The Craft Academy offers a unique, project-based STEM+X courses that enriches the educational experiences and develop competencies in entrepreneurship and innovation, design and creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
Students live on campus in Grote-Thompson Hall, which was remodeled with meeting and social space and 24/7 staffing. Counselors and advisors also are available.
Students are 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, interviews by the Academy selection committee and recommendations from teachers and others who could attest to the student’s need and preparedness for the program.
“We are very proud of this class,” said Dr. Carol Christian, director of the Craft Academy. “It is an historic moment not only for Morehead State University for the state of Kentucky. The class has exceeded our expectations.”
Jeremy Webb of Louisa was the student speaker. Webb is the son of R. and Brenda Webb and Molly and Jesse Meek. Prior to attending the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, he was a student at Lawrence County High School. Webb was a member of the Craft Ambassadors as well as captain of his Governor’s Cup Academic Team. He also participated four years in The Kentucky Youth Assembly. His areas of interest at the Academy included chemistry, physics, astronomy and mathematics. Webb regularly tutored in chemistry and calculus.
“Kelly and I are very proud of what you have accomplished in your two years,” said Joseph Craft, who gave the commencement address. “I want you (the Craft students) to be the best that you can be and with all your accomplishments during the two years and I happy with the results.”
In the fall of 2017, students from the graduating class will attend 14 different colleges and universities across the United States, including 15 students who will enroll at MSU.
Additional information on the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is available by calling 606-783-9025 or visiting www.moreheadstate.edu/Craft-Academy.
Members of the Craft Academy Class of 2017:
Anderson County: Trulee Alizabeth Gilkison, daughter of Todd and Tammy Gilkison, from Anderson County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Bath County: Madison Marie Hammons, daughter of Jon and Karen Hammons, from Bath County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Boone County: Joshua Ryan Frommeyer, son of Chad and Michelle Frommeyer, from Conner High School. Plans to attend the University of Cincinnati.
Boone County: Carter James Codell, son of Steve and Tracy Codell, from Covington Latin School. Plans to attend Northeastern University.
Boone County: Samantha Lee Koehler, daughter of Ron and Roseanna Koehler from Ryle High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Bourbon County: Isabel M. Torres, daughter of Jaime and Elizabeth Torres, from Bourbon County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Boyd County: Cassidy Selena Bailey, daughter of John Bailey and Lynn Nelson, from Boyd County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Crittenden County: Audrey Lee Smith, daughter of Christopher Smith from Crittenden County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Crittenden County: Kaitlyn Gayle Wheeler, daughter of Bill and Kory Wheeler, from Crittenden County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Daviess County: Allison Victoria Wright, granddaughter of Robert and Sharon Wright, from Daviess County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Elliott County: Joel Layton Brickey, son of David and Kim Brickey, from Elliott County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Elliott County: Tanner William Coleman, son of Jeff and Kathleen Coleman, from Elliott County High School. Plans to attend University of West Florida.
Estill County: Elizabeth Gayle Hereford, daughter of Marvin S. and Rebecca Hereford, from Hereford Home School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Fayette County: Griffin Thomas Smith, son of George and Jennifer Smith, from Lafayette High School. Plans to attend University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Fayette County: Daniel M. Rush, son of Gregory Rush and Elizabeth Rush, from Tates Creek High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Gallatin County: Taylor Nicole Roland, daughter of Robin Roland and Stephanie Courtney-Roland, from Gallatin County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Greenup County: Mark Will Casto, son of Mark and Greta Casto, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Greenup County: Naail Tariq, son of Mubashar and Amina Tariq, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Greenup County: Madeline Frances McCloud, daughter of Brian McCloud and Tonja McCloud, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Hardin County: Kiley Breanne Thomas, daughter of James and Cheryl Thomas, from Elizabethtown High School. Plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Harlan County: Jackson Boone Allison, son of Mike and Cindy Allison, from Harlan Independent High School. Plans to attend Milligan College.
Jackson County: Dexter Chappell Davidson, son of Kale and Cathay Kale Davidson, from Jackson County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Jefferson County: Isis Alexis Shackelford, daughter of Walter and Juanita Shackelford, from DuPont Manual High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Jefferson County: Madeline Kennedy Graham, daughter of Jeremy and Chelsea Graham, from James Graham Brown School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Johnson County: Lauren K. Endicott, daughter of Michael and Emily Endicott, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Johnson County: Rylea Jayde Salyer, daughter of Tracy Wireman and Scott Salyer, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Johnson County: Wesley Dalton Slone, son of Virgil and Robin Slone, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Kenton County: Madeline A. Jansen, daughter of Robin Jansen (Stephenson) and Kurt Jansen, from Dixie Heights High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Kenton County: Mitchell Thomas Grothaus, son of Edward and Karen Grothaus, from Simon Kenton High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Knox County: Emilee Denise Stamper, daughter of Wendy Stamper, from Corbin High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Lawrence County: Nicholas M. Kessinger, son of Michael and Leah Kessinger, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Lawrence County: Alan Lin, son of Saiyun Wu and Tong Lin, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend Virginia Tech.
Lawrence County: Jeremy Shane Webb, son of Jesse and Molly Meek and E.R. and Brenda Webb, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Letcher County: Caleb Paul Fleming, son of Dennis and Donna Fleming, from Letcher County Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Martin County: Colby Braxton Muncy, son of Ronnie Little and Rhonda Muncy-Little, from Sheldon Clark High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Martin County: Carissa Carolann Sweeney, daughter of Claudine Sweeney, from Sheldon Clark High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Mason County: Danielle Nicole Gibson, daughter of Dewey and Ruby Gibson, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Mason County: Bryce Allen Hendrickson, son of Bob and Missy Hendrickson, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend Miami University.
Mason County: Braiden Alexandre Hickman-Lamarche, son of Mindy Hickman, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Montgomery County: April M. Eling, daughter of Tim and Anne Eling and Julia Waller, from Montgomery County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Montgomery County: Zebulon James Hart, son of Steven and Tamara Hart, from Montgomery County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Morgan County: Matthew Alexander Hylton, son of Freddie and Gretta Hylton, from Morgan County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Oldham County: William Davis Kueshner, son of Branden and Karen Kueshner, from North Oldham High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Oldham County: Marcus A. Roup, son of Mark and Elizabeth Roup, from Oldham County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Oldham County: Sienna Lyn Shacklette, the daughter of Hope and Greg Shacklette, from Oldham County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Pendleton County: Mikinley Grace Lustenberg, daughter of Jeffery and Michelle Lustenberg, from Pendleton County Memorial High School. Plans to attend Northern Kentucky University.
Perry County: Rebekah Brynn Vermillion, daughter of Kevin and Melissa Vermillion, from Hazard High School. Plans to attend Murray State University.
Perry County: Lindsey Cheyenne Eddington, daughter of Nena Eddington, from Perry County Central High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Perry County: Tucker Cross Jett, son of Jonathan and Katrina Jett, from Perry County Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Pike County: Gregory Ethan Coleman, son of Gregory and Teresa Coleman, from Phelps High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Scott County: Julianne Elizabeth Gillette, daughter of Angie and Mark Gillette, from Scott County High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Shelby County: Hunter Cade Matthews, son of Clint and Dawn Matthews, from Shelby County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Wayne County: Benjamin Abbott Rose, son of Kevin and Cindy Rose, from Wayne County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Woodford County: Madison Rose Cissel, daughter of Kevin and Lisa Cissell, from Woodford County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Woodford County: Jorden Alexandria Crowe, daughter of Dixie Lowe, from Woodford County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
A total of 55 students representing 33 counties from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky were recognized the ceremony.
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“Today is a day of celebration for Craft Academy graduates and their families,” said Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president. “This inaugural graduation for the class of the Craft Academy marks an exciting moment in Morehead State University’s history. These young people are well prepared for the next steps in their preparation for leadership in STEM careers.”
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics opened in August 2015. Joseph and Kelly Craft of Lexington initially pledged $4 million in support of the Academy, which was the single largest cash gift in the history of the University.
“Joe and Kelly’s commitment to providing unique educational opportunities to academically gifted and talented students will provide lasting impact to Kentucky,” said Dr. Andrews. “Craft Academy students will forever benefit from their legacy.”
The Craft Academy offers a unique, project-based STEM+X courses that enriches the educational experiences and develop competencies in entrepreneurship and innovation, design and creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
Students live on campus in Grote-Thompson Hall, which was remodeled with meeting and social space and 24/7 staffing. Counselors and advisors also are available.
Students are 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, interviews by the Academy selection committee and recommendations from teachers and others who could attest to the student’s need and preparedness for the program.
“We are very proud of this class,” said Dr. Carol Christian, director of the Craft Academy. “It is an historic moment not only for Morehead State University for the state of Kentucky. The class has exceeded our expectations.”
Jeremy Webb of Louisa was the student speaker. Webb is the son of R. and Brenda Webb and Molly and Jesse Meek. Prior to attending the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, he was a student at Lawrence County High School. Webb was a member of the Craft Ambassadors as well as captain of his Governor’s Cup Academic Team. He also participated four years in The Kentucky Youth Assembly. His areas of interest at the Academy included chemistry, physics, astronomy and mathematics. Webb regularly tutored in chemistry and calculus.
“Kelly and I are very proud of what you have accomplished in your two years,” said Joseph Craft, who gave the commencement address. “I want you (the Craft students) to be the best that you can be and with all your accomplishments during the two years and I happy with the results.”
In the fall of 2017, students from the graduating class will attend 14 different colleges and universities across the United States, including 15 students who will enroll at MSU.
Additional information on the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is available by calling 606-783-9025 or visiting www.moreheadstate.edu/Craft-Academy.
Members of the Craft Academy Class of 2017:
Anderson County: Trulee Alizabeth Gilkison, daughter of Todd and Tammy Gilkison, from Anderson County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Bath County: Madison Marie Hammons, daughter of Jon and Karen Hammons, from Bath County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Boone County: Joshua Ryan Frommeyer, son of Chad and Michelle Frommeyer, from Conner High School. Plans to attend the University of Cincinnati.
Boone County: Carter James Codell, son of Steve and Tracy Codell, from Covington Latin School. Plans to attend Northeastern University.
Boone County: Samantha Lee Koehler, daughter of Ron and Roseanna Koehler from Ryle High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Bourbon County: Isabel M. Torres, daughter of Jaime and Elizabeth Torres, from Bourbon County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Boyd County: Cassidy Selena Bailey, daughter of John Bailey and Lynn Nelson, from Boyd County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Crittenden County: Audrey Lee Smith, daughter of Christopher Smith from Crittenden County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Crittenden County: Kaitlyn Gayle Wheeler, daughter of Bill and Kory Wheeler, from Crittenden County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Daviess County: Allison Victoria Wright, granddaughter of Robert and Sharon Wright, from Daviess County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Elliott County: Joel Layton Brickey, son of David and Kim Brickey, from Elliott County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Elliott County: Tanner William Coleman, son of Jeff and Kathleen Coleman, from Elliott County High School. Plans to attend University of West Florida.
Estill County: Elizabeth Gayle Hereford, daughter of Marvin S. and Rebecca Hereford, from Hereford Home School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Fayette County: Griffin Thomas Smith, son of George and Jennifer Smith, from Lafayette High School. Plans to attend University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Fayette County: Daniel M. Rush, son of Gregory Rush and Elizabeth Rush, from Tates Creek High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Gallatin County: Taylor Nicole Roland, daughter of Robin Roland and Stephanie Courtney-Roland, from Gallatin County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Greenup County: Mark Will Casto, son of Mark and Greta Casto, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Greenup County: Naail Tariq, son of Mubashar and Amina Tariq, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Greenup County: Madeline Frances McCloud, daughter of Brian McCloud and Tonja McCloud, from Russell Independent High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Hardin County: Kiley Breanne Thomas, daughter of James and Cheryl Thomas, from Elizabethtown High School. Plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Harlan County: Jackson Boone Allison, son of Mike and Cindy Allison, from Harlan Independent High School. Plans to attend Milligan College.
Jackson County: Dexter Chappell Davidson, son of Kale and Cathay Kale Davidson, from Jackson County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Jefferson County: Isis Alexis Shackelford, daughter of Walter and Juanita Shackelford, from DuPont Manual High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Jefferson County: Madeline Kennedy Graham, daughter of Jeremy and Chelsea Graham, from James Graham Brown School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Johnson County: Lauren K. Endicott, daughter of Michael and Emily Endicott, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Johnson County: Rylea Jayde Salyer, daughter of Tracy Wireman and Scott Salyer, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Johnson County: Wesley Dalton Slone, son of Virgil and Robin Slone, from Johnson Central High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Kenton County: Madeline A. Jansen, daughter of Robin Jansen (Stephenson) and Kurt Jansen, from Dixie Heights High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Kenton County: Mitchell Thomas Grothaus, son of Edward and Karen Grothaus, from Simon Kenton High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Knox County: Emilee Denise Stamper, daughter of Wendy Stamper, from Corbin High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Lawrence County: Nicholas M. Kessinger, son of Michael and Leah Kessinger, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Lawrence County: Alan Lin, son of Saiyun Wu and Tong Lin, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend Virginia Tech.
Lawrence County: Jeremy Shane Webb, son of Jesse and Molly Meek and E.R. and Brenda Webb, from Lawrence County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Letcher County: Caleb Paul Fleming, son of Dennis and Donna Fleming, from Letcher County Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Martin County: Colby Braxton Muncy, son of Ronnie Little and Rhonda Muncy-Little, from Sheldon Clark High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Martin County: Carissa Carolann Sweeney, daughter of Claudine Sweeney, from Sheldon Clark High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Mason County: Danielle Nicole Gibson, daughter of Dewey and Ruby Gibson, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Mason County: Bryce Allen Hendrickson, son of Bob and Missy Hendrickson, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend Miami University.
Mason County: Braiden Alexandre Hickman-Lamarche, son of Mindy Hickman, from Mason County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Montgomery County: April M. Eling, daughter of Tim and Anne Eling and Julia Waller, from Montgomery County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Montgomery County: Zebulon James Hart, son of Steven and Tamara Hart, from Montgomery County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Morgan County: Matthew Alexander Hylton, son of Freddie and Gretta Hylton, from Morgan County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Oldham County: William Davis Kueshner, son of Branden and Karen Kueshner, from North Oldham High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Oldham County: Marcus A. Roup, son of Mark and Elizabeth Roup, from Oldham County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Oldham County: Sienna Lyn Shacklette, the daughter of Hope and Greg Shacklette, from Oldham County High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Pendleton County: Mikinley Grace Lustenberg, daughter of Jeffery and Michelle Lustenberg, from Pendleton County Memorial High School. Plans to attend Northern Kentucky University.
Perry County: Rebekah Brynn Vermillion, daughter of Kevin and Melissa Vermillion, from Hazard High School. Plans to attend Murray State University.
Perry County: Lindsey Cheyenne Eddington, daughter of Nena Eddington, from Perry County Central High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Perry County: Tucker Cross Jett, son of Jonathan and Katrina Jett, from Perry County Central High School. Plans to attend the University of Louisville.
Pike County: Gregory Ethan Coleman, son of Gregory and Teresa Coleman, from Phelps High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Scott County: Julianne Elizabeth Gillette, daughter of Angie and Mark Gillette, from Scott County High School. Plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Shelby County: Hunter Cade Matthews, son of Clint and Dawn Matthews, from Shelby County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
Wayne County: Benjamin Abbott Rose, son of Kevin and Cindy Rose, from Wayne County High School. Plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Woodford County: Madison Rose Cissel, daughter of Kevin and Lisa Cissell, from Woodford County High School. Plans to attend the University of Kentucky.
Woodford County: Jorden Alexandria Crowe, daughter of Dixie Lowe, from Woodford County High School. Plans to attend Morehead State University.
