By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
Olivia Jolly, a senior at Barren County High School, has been named a semifinalist for the “highly competitive” Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which is “the largest corporate-sponsored achievement-based scholarship program” in the U.S., according to a press release from Barren County Schools.
Jolly was also recently recognized for receiving a prestigious AP Capstone Diploma, which she achieved by passing at least six Advanced Placement exams. She spoke with Glasgow News 1 last Friday about her high school experience and future plans.
“I just loved AP Research so much,” Jolly said. “I researched nuclear energy in relation to politics…. I analyzed conservatives’ versus liberals’ change in opinion when given safety regulations of nuclear power plants.”
In her research, Jolly said she found that both political groups are “fearful of nuclear power because of past stigma,” adding that she’s always been interested in energy, “how things work” and “why things work.”
“I’ve been doing a lot of research ever since I was in middle school about what type of energy is best,” she said. “I found that — in my opinion, with my beliefs and values — I think that nuclear energy is best and that kind of drew me to wanting to do nuclear engineering.”
Jolly said this research has really inspired her to pursue a career as a nuclear engineer, and she is very passionate about finding a solution to nuclear waste.
“I found that it was a big problem,” she said. “So I want to come up with a solution to that one when I get older.”
Letitia Hughes, principal of Barren County High School, stated in the Barren County press release that they “are incredibly proud of Olivia and the dedication, character, and leadership she demonstrates each day.”
“Being named a semifinalist for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an extraordinary honor,” Hughes said. “We know she will continue to represent our school and community well throughout this process.”
In addition to receiving financial support, Coca-Cola Scholars “become part of an active, lifelong global alumni network dedicated to leadership, collaboration, and community impact,” the press release states. “Scholars benefit from professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and a Leadership Summit every five years.”
Finalists for the program will be announced in early January after an independent selection committee evaluates applications.
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