Two Shelby County Public School students were chosen to attend the Commonwealth Honors Academy at Murray State University this summer.  Nichole Satterly, an MLCHS senior, and Ella Bowman, an SCHS student, are both excited to attend this prestigious program. 

Nichole said, "My stepfather encouraged me to apply for the academy. He was an alumnus. I was researching summer college programs and he suggested it to me. I learned that I will get to earn two college credits and take some very interesting courses. The program also gives you full tuition scholarship to Murray State which is an amazing opportunity that opens doors for my higher education."

Commonwealth Honors Academy is offered with the firm conviction that one of the greatest resources of this region is its academically talented young people. The Academy seeks to reward excellence, broaden horizons, and expand vision. Its academic program stresses the development of each student's critical thinking abilities, adaptability, creativity, and self-confidence. In the Academy, teachers and students deal with the conceptual, historical, and philosophical foundations of learning. Students have opportunities through the independent effort to develop their personal and intellectual skills under expert supervision.

Ella Bowman, an SCHS rising senior, said, "Throughout my high school career, I have been gaining college credits to graduate with my associate degree. When looking for scholarships I am eligible for, I ran into the Commonwealth Honors Academy. After learning about the college credits and community opportunities this scholarship offers, I was immediately motivated to apply."

Nichole is taking an Interdisciplinary Humanities and Fine Arts course and one elective course in Business,  Science, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social Science, communication, or Engineering. 

Ella is hoping to study argumentation and narrative speaking to prepare her for a career in family law. She is also looking forward to experiencing student life at Murray. She has not chosen a college and hopes this will give her an idea of what to look for in a college. 

To be admitted into the Commonwealth Honors Academy, each applicant must have a 3.5-grade point average or higher, as well as a minimum ACT Composite score of 25.  Students get to collaborate with students who have similar interests and academic abilities.

Have a great summer Nichole and Ella!