(DRAFFENVILLE, Ky.) — Eight juniors from Marshall County High School have earned spots in Kentucky’s prestigious Governor’s Scholars Program this year, the school announced.
Ayen Arceo, Lyla Loven, Lillian Perry, Sarah Reynolds, Bailey Willis, Drake Fooshee, Eli Holaday, and Lilly Wathen were each selected to attend or named as finalists for the program, which draws more than 2,000 applicants statewide each year and accepts roughly 1,000 students.
The Governor’s Scholars Program is a five-week residential summer experience for outstanding Kentucky high school students who are rising seniors. This year’s program will be hosted across three campuses — Centre College, Morehead State University, and Murray State University — and is offered to participants at no cost.
Founded in 1983, the program was created in response to concerns among Kentucky leaders that the state’s most talented students were leaving the Commonwealth for opportunities elsewhere. Its mission is to develop the next generation of civic and economic leaders in Kentucky.
Earning a spot is no small feat. The selection process is highly competitive, beginning at the school level before advancing to a state review. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance — including course rigor, GPA, and standardized test scores — as well as extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and employment history. The application also requires a teacher recommendation, a community recommendation, and an original writing entry.
Students must first be nominated by their school districts before competing at the state level.
“The Marshall County School District is thrilled to send a new class of participants to the Governor’s Scholars Program,” MCHS Principal Evan Merrick said in a statement, adding that the district is proud of the dedication these students demonstrated to earn the opportunity.
