
Hobbies and interests
Advocacy And Activism
Archaeology
Babysitting And Childcare
Baking
Volunteering
Swimming
Social Sciences
Lily Hollingshead
1x
Finalist
Lily Hollingshead
1x
FinalistEducation
South Laurel High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Political Science and Government
Career
Dream career field:
Political Organization
Dream career goals:
Carlo Burns Memorial Scholarship
I intend to pursue Political Science and Pre–Public Policy at the University of Kentucky, with the long-term goal of attending law school and building a career in public service. My passion for advocacy and leadership has been shaped by my years of involvement in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). From my sophomore year through my senior year, FCCLA has provided me with opportunities to grow as a leader, form meaningful connections, and serve my community. Through these experiences, I discovered that my purpose lies in uplifting others and working to create positive change. I hope to carry these values forward into a career in politics, where I can advocate for policies that strengthen communities like my own.
One of the most meaningful ways I have served my community was through creating Boxes for Better after recognizing a need within Laurel County. This initiative provides free access to food, personal hygiene items, and clothing for anyone in need. While the process required persistence the most important outcome was the impact it had on others. By creating a consistent, judgment-free resource, I was able to help individuals and families access basic necessities with dignity. This experience showed me how small, local actions can create meaningful change and reinforced my desire to pursue a career focused on serving others.
While I am committed to my educational and career goals, my financial situation presents significant challenges. In July 2025, my home was destroyed in a fire, leaving my family without stability. Since then, I have been living with my grandmother and cousin. My grandmother is currently unemployed, and my cousin is also preparing to attend college, which places additional financial strain on our household. As a result, I have no personal income and receive little to no financial support for my education.
Despite these hardships, I have worked diligently to make college a reality. Attending the University of Kentucky has always been my dream, and I have dedicated my high school career to achieving it by maintaining strong grades, taking AP courses, and actively applying for scholarships. I have been fortunate to receive financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, Kentucky CAP Grant, the University of Kentucky Provost Scholarship, and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship. Even with this support, I still face a gap of approximately $10,777 in meeting the total cost of attendance.
I am actively applying for numerous scholarships and plan to participate in the Federal Work-Study program. Additionally, I hope to become a Resident Assistant in future years to help offset housing costs. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me close the remaining financial gap and focus on my academic success as I prepare for law school.
Through perseverance and determination, I am committed to overcoming these challenges and achieving my goals. This scholarship would not only support my education, but also invest in my future as a leader dedicated to serving others. I hope to use my education to advocate for policies that improve access to resources, strengthen community support systems, and better prepare individuals for challenges, ultimately creating safer and more resilient communities.