Aubrey Bohannon

MLCHS Student Aubrey Bohannon Accepted to Craft Academy at Morehead State University

Rising Junior Aubrey Bohannon, a student at Martha Layne Collins High School, has been accepted into the prestigious Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University. This exceptional program allows high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from across Kentucky to complete their final two years of high school while earning college credits in a residential, university setting.

For Aubrey, this acceptance marks the culmination of careful planning, hard work, and a deeply personal motivation. After visiting Morehead’s campus and meeting with faculty and students in the Craft Academy, she knew it was the right fit. "When the advisor at Craft mentioned research in medicine, it clicked with me," Aubrey shared. "I felt that's where I needed to be."

The path to Craft is not a simple one. Students must apply as sophomores and meet rigorous academic requirements. In preparation, Aubrey carefully reorganized her high school schedule to take Geometry and Algebra II ahead of the typical sequence, ensuring she met the eligibility criteria. She also pursued an ambitious academic load, enrolling in multiple AP courses and earning dual credit. During her freshman year, she was able to take health science courses at the Shelby County Area Technology Center, including Introduction to Health Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Terminology, all of which fueled her growing interest in the medical field.

Aubrey's interest in health sciences was sparked by a personal experience when she discovered a cancerous mole on her face. "Doctors were hesitant to remove it at first," she recalls. Through the perseverance of her and her parents during this difficult time, Aubrey became increasingly fascinated by medicine and pharmacy. This experience ignited her desire to pursue a career in pharmacy, with hopes of one day researching and developing new medications.

Her long-term goal is to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. After completing two years at Craft Academy, Aubrey plans to transfer her college credits to the University of Kentucky’s Pharmacy School. "Getting closer to the credits I need for pharmacy school makes this a great opportunity," she said. She believes that the courses at Morehead State University align well with UK's pharmacy program, giving her a strong academic foundation.

The Craft Academy, which opened in 2015 at Morehead State University, offers a highly rigorous curriculum focused on math, science, and STEM+X courses—combining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with creativity, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. 

When asked what advice she would give to other students considering Craft Academy, Aubrey offered these words of wisdom: "Don't let the process frustrate you. I had to take the ACT and SAT at the last minute without much studying. I wrote a cover letter about my goals in life, and being able to connect my personal experiences to my future plans really helped. There are people available to help you if you want to apply."

Aubrey Bohannon’s journey is a testament to resilience, careful preparation, and the power of turning personal challenges into motivation. Her story serves as an inspiration for students who are willing to push themselves academically in pursuit of their dreams. Aubrey is the daughter of Shane and Jennifer Bohannon.