Harlan County High School's rising senior Shania Middleton has been selected to participate in the highly competitive Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) this summer at Centre College. Middleton, recognized for her exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and community service, was chosen from thousands of applicants across the Commonwealth.
Middleton, who continues to rank at the top of her class, will spend five weeks among a select group of scholars, engaging in rigorous academic and leadership enrichment. She has selected engineering as her area of concentration for the summer session, aligning with her long-term goals of studying biomedical engineering at the University of Kentucky and eventually attending medical school.
“Being chosen as a Governor’s Scholar is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” said Middleton. “I am eager to connect with like-minded fellow scholars, learn from prestigious teachers and professors, and explore new ideas and perspectives this summer. I want to thank Jesus for continuously blessing me with wonderful opportunities.”
Middleton had to make a difficult decision in selecting GSP over other prestigious summer opportunities, including the Appalachian STEM Academy and the SHE Cancer Research Program at the University of Kentucky. Ultimately, she chose GSP for its unmatched academic environment and significant financial benefits toward college.
Her résumé is a testament to her dedication to excellence:
Rogers Scholar and Rogers Explorer
Participant and scholarship recipient in the Entrepreneur Leadership Institute
President of both the UNITE Club and the National Honor Society
Member of the Superintendent’s Student Council, First Priority Leadership Team, and the Gifted and Talented Program
Active leader in Project Lead The Way engineering at HCHS
FBLA participant and state finalist in the Technology Students of America competition
1st Place winner in the Cumberlands Region Technology Bowl
Spanish Honor Society member and the only junior enrolled in AP Calculus last year
Senior representative for Waverlee June Photography
Volunteer Sunday School Teacher and academic math tutor for elementary school students
Alumni of the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and the Appalachian STEM Academy (middle and bridge programs)
Middleton is the daughter of Angie Middleton and granddaughter of Bobby and Josephine Middleton. She plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in business management at the University of Kentucky, followed by medical school.
“I plan to come home and open my own private practice to serve my community after a few years of practice,” she shared.
About the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program
Founded in 1983, the Governor’s Scholars Program is a prestigious five-week residential summer program for Kentucky’s brightest rising high school seniors. The program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders by providing a transformative academic experience. Selected students attend the program free of charge thanks to a partnership among the Governor’s Office, Kentucky State Legislature, and private enterprise.
Each year, over 2,000 applications are received at the state level, with only about 1,000 students selected for participation. The 2025 program will be hosted at Centre College, Morehead State University, and Murray State University.
For more information about GSP, visit: https://gsp.ky.gov