WKU

Press Release

BOWLING GREEN — A team from The Gatton Academy won the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl on Feb. 16. The DOE National Science Bowl challenges students’ knowledge in all areas of science; including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy and math.

This is the fifth consecutive year The Gatton Academy has become the West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl champion and advanced to the national tournament. With the win, the team will travel to the DOE’s National Science Bowl April 25-29 in Washington, D.C. The DOE provides all-expense paid travel for the winning team to represent west Kentucky in the national competition. The Gatton Academy’s winning team consists of senior Anas Gondal of Danville High School, senior Rithwik Ghanta of Randall K. Cooper High School, junior Ngoc Nguyen of South Warren High School, junior Hasitha Ramisetti of Western Hills High School and junior David Suarez of Southwestern High School.

“Competing in and winning the DOE Regional Science Bowl from The Gatton Academy is one of my biggest honors,” said team captain Anas Gondal. “The hard work and practice hours we put in this year have paid off. Now, we’re practicing and preparing for the National Science Bowl, where we look forward to being victorious as well.”

Nineteen high school teams competed in the daylong regional tournament. 

“For the fifth year in a row, Gatton students have successfully demonstrated our STEM-focused mission,” said Academic Opportunities Coordinator Cheryl Kirby-Stokes. “We look forward to representing Kentucky in Washington, D.C., and meeting up with other top science competitors and their coaches. It’s always a treat to share stories and experiences with students and colleagues from around the country.” 

During the national competition, The Gatton Academy will compete in the same fast-paced, question-and-answer format that was used in the regional competition.  The students will also have the opportunity to visit national monuments and museums.

“I am proud of our students’ dedication and their hard work in establishing a strong team dynamic,” said Director of The Gatton Academy Dr. Lynette Breedlove.  “The Science Bowl fits our student’s natural interest in the sciences and their love of competition.  They will be positive representatives of our school and our state at the national competition.”

Over 9,000 high school students nationwide compete at the regional level.  Approximately 65 high school teams, or about 325 high school students in total, proceed to Washington, DC for the National Science Bowl.