Two Jessamine County students were chosen to be a part of this year’s Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics class, which arrived on the Morehead State University campus Sunday, Aug. 6.

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 allows students to finish high school while also completing up to two years of university coursework while living on campus.

The academy offers unique, project-based STEM+X courses that enrich 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 has been remodeled with meeting and social space and 24/7 staffing. Counselors and advisors also are available.

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 selected for the Craft Academy Class of 2019 are Anna Hylen from West Jessamine High School, daughter of Michael George Hylen and Carolyn Christine Hylen, and Kaitlyn Palumbo from East Jessamine High School, daughter of Jennifer and Frank Palumbo.