Gabriella Johnson finds success in the classroom at Craft Academy and on the golf course for her home high school

During Gabriella Johnson's sophomore year of high school, she knew she wanted to focus on two things: taking classes that would allow her to pursue STEM studies and competing in golf to become one of the best female high school golfers in the state.

Thanks to Johnson's acceptance to the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University, she was able to accomplish both goals.

Originally from Nicholasville, Johnson attended the Lexington Latin School from 1st grade through her sophomore year, when she became interested in applying to the Craft Academy.

"I wanted to experience college to see what I want to have in a college experience," she said. "I wanted to take some different classes that my previous high school did not offer so that I can delve deeper into the STEM world to see if it is the path I want to travel on in my future career."

After being accepted to the Craft Academy, Johnson had to transfer and dual-enroll at West Jessamine High School to pursue her goal of participating in the 2026 KHSAA high school golf season. It provided her with an opportunity to excel both in the classroom and on the green with her West Jessamine High School teammates.

This year, West Jessamine won 1st in both the Region 4 Championship and qualified for the Leachman Buick GMC Cadillac State Golf Championship in Bowling Green. After her team placed 1st in the first round of the tournament, West Jessamine High finished 5th as a team, with Johnson tied for 26th out of the top 90 girls in the state. Despite her late start in the season, she also made the 1st team in Region 4.

"Gabriella had support from her high school, her parents, the Craft Academy, and professors so that she had the opportunity to participate in golf at the highest level in the Commonwealth," said Craft Academy Director Aaron Collins. "This is a great example of what is possible for Craft Academy and Morehead State students. You have the ability to continue to reach your goals, and the student experience is your experience and Craft supports your goals at all levels."

When Johnson is not on the golf course with her West Jessamine High teammates, her Craft Academy experience has provided its own excitement. She was pushed out of her comfort zone by participating in a research project on graphs and scientific literacy among college students, and she has enjoyed being able to choose from a wider range of classes aligned with her current interests in engineering and aviation. She gets to practice golf regularly at the nearby Eagle Trace Golf Course, a prestigious 18-hole golf course that is home to MSU’s Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams. Johnson said she attends faith-based clubs and organizations whenever she can, like Craft Academy Bible Club, FCA and CRU and enjoys a bit of study time on the third floor of Adron Doran University Center when she is not making a quick run to Dairy Queen right off campus.

Johnson said the highlight of her time at Craft is getting a sample of life as a full-time college student.

"The best part has been the college experience in general. Lexington Latin got me most of the way with my time management. It is a different beast between just managing your homework and planning out your entire day to take care of yourself," she said. "It will allow me to get ahead of others in my class and gain valuable experience as a college student while still having some help from both my parents and the Craft Academy staff, which has been so helpful along my journey."

As a dual-credit high school student-athlete, Johnson has been able to pursue her passions in both athletics and academics. At the same time, she has maintained bonds with her childhood friends from Lexington Latin School while also forming new close-knit bonds with her West Jessamine teammates and her Craft Academy classmates.

"The camaraderie amongst Craft Students is something different that you cannot find at a high school," she said. "After a while, we are all peers...We are all on this journey together and have all made sacrifices to take part in this opportunity. Everyone looks out for each other, and someone is always willing to help with your calculus homework."

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a college immersion experience for Kentucky students. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through our STEM+X curriculum and high-impact learning experiences, with emphasis on creativity and design, entrepreneurship and innovation, and civic and regional engagement.

Applications for future classes of Craft Academy students are accepted annually.

To learn more about the Craft Academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.