Impacting the World for the Better: Hannah Laney
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
An aspiring doctor graduates top of her class and sets her sights on impacting the world for the better.
Hannah Laney is set to graduate May 2023, top of her class at Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Ky and an alumnus of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science based out of Western Kentucky University.
Laney moved to Ashland the summer of her 5th grade year and has since become heavily involved in both her academics and the Ashland community. Laney was a part of the Paul Blazer High School Marching Band, Paul Blazer Track Team, Mu Alpha Theta, and several other clubs during her time at Blazer. Her sophomore year, known for her outstanding skills in STEM, she was selected as one of only 100 students to attend The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Bowling Green, Ky.
Laura Hackney, a mathematics teacher of Laney’s since the time Laney was in the seventh grade, could not speak more highly of both her accomplishments and attitude toward learning.
“Hannah came over in seventh grade and took Accelerated Algebra II. Of course, I was a little hesitant about a seventh grader showing up to take Accelerated Algebra Two, but she thrived in her classes. I was worried that it would be too academically rigorous for her, but she excelled. She was the best student in the class every year that I had her,” stated Hackney.
After taking Blazer by storm, Laney attended the residential Gatton Academy which allows for high school juniors and seniors to live on the campus of Western Kentucky University and take dual-credit college classes alongside actual college students.
“I would really have not been able to grow and learn as much if I didn't get to go to Gatton. The friendships I've made and the interactions I've had with other students, I would not have had those opportunities if I didn't go to Gatton. To be around other kids from around the country that are just as passionate about science and math as I am–that was definitely a one of a kind experience,” commented Laney.
While at Gatton, Laney was president of the Math Club, a member of the Science Bowl Team, and key research partner in the Gatton Academy of Physics and Astronomy. Her research began her first semester, and Laney was able to obtain an internship grant, or RIG, to continue her work in the summer between her junior and senior year.
Laney’s research focused on the growing of transition metal oxides with crystal compounds. Laney primarily focused on the growing of these crystals, and her research allowed her to present at the National Pfizer Community Symposium in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she was named an honorable mention in the chemistry poster category. Laney also was named a top 300 scholar in the Regeneron student talent search competition.
Laney reiterated that her time at Gatton helped solidify her research skills and give her the necessary experience she needed to feel confident committing to the University of Kentucky next year with a Biology Major. There, Laney was awarded the full tuition Presidential Scholarship, and hopes to continue on to medical school.
“I’m going to go there, and I'm going to major in Biology. I'm looking at a double major, maybe in math.” said Laney. “And as of right now, my plan is to go on onto medical school and become a doctor.”
Leaving every teacher and friend absolutely impressed by both her skills and kindness, Laney contributes her success to the support and encouragement from her family. Her Ashland roots have both encouraged her and shaped her into the exceptional young woman she is today.
“She is without a doubt the most academically gifted student that I've had all around,” expressed Hackney. “She's exceptional.”
Wherever she goes, she is sure to write her own story, and impact the world for the better.