Paducah Tilghman High School sophomore Maxwell Tolar has been accepted to The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, a residential 2-year STEM program for gifted and talented high school students on the campus of Western Kentucky University.
Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy enrolls students for their junior and senior high school years. Students pursue their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematical careers and take all of their coursework at Western Kentucky University. On average each year, Gatton receives over 350 applications from interested students across the Commonwealth and roughly 175 are offered an opportunity to interview with 95 ultimately selected to enroll.
Maxwell is a member of the Tilghman Concert and Marching Bands and Percussion Ensemble, as well as Tilghman’s Concert Choir, Men’s Choir, and men’s acapella ensemble, Prime Rib. He was selected as 2nd Chair Mallet Percussion in the 2024 KMEA All District Symphonic Band and as a member of the 2024 1st District All District Honor Choir in the Bass 1 section. A pianist, Maxwell has been receiving private instruction for several years. He is a worship leader and a member of the a capella church praise team at Reidland Church. He’s also been performing for Market House Theatre productions since 2016. A member of the Innovation Hub Club, he has competed in several engineering competitions. This year he was the top scorer for Tilghman at the Murray State Math Day Competition.
He is the son of Rheanel and Blair Tolar.