Errington leads House in recognizing 25th year of Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics & Humanities

INDIANAPOLIS – Through the approval of House Concurrent Resolution 31 led by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie), the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities was recognized today in the Indiana House Chamber.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the academy’s founding.

The Indiana Academy serves as Indiana’s only statewide center for gifted education. It provides high-ability high school juniors and seniors with an equally exceptional learning community. Currently, 295 students are enrolled in the two-year residential public high school.

In 1988, the Indiana General Assembly authorized Ball State University to establish the Indiana Academy as a laboratory school. Educational operations began on the university’s campus in 1990.

“I’m proud that Ball State University’s campus is the location of residence for these talented students while attending such an amazing academy,” said Errington. “The student body is diverse, reflecting the geographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of Indiana. Students of the academy come from low-income backgrounds as well as middle and high-income, and students come from all over the state.”

Three Indiana Academy students were recognized during today’s House session. Maya Ploss from Noblesville, Mohamed Abedelmalik from Indianapolis, and Brianna Betton from Lawrence described how working closely with like-minded people has reignited their passion for learning. The students expressed deep gratitude to the Legislature for funding the school for the past 25 years. Executive Director of the Indiana Academy, Vickie Barton, was also recognized.

“This school provides an equal opportunity to every bright child,” said Barton. “Many times people think bright children are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and we know that is not true. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this school. Whether you know it or not, you have truly changed the world for the students who have come through the school. You have saved lives.”

Since its founding, the Indiana Academy has graduated 2,812 Hoosier students. Each one of those students attended college after graduating. In fact, 70 percent elected to study at in-state universities and colleges.