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HCHS junior Tyce Boling selected for Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program
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By Jennifer Wimmer
Hancock County High School junior Tyce Boling was selected for the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program, a competitive five-week residential summer program for rising seniors statewide.
The program is open to students in the summer before their senior year and requires a nomination from their high school. The rigorous application looks at academics, leadership and service.
“There have been so many incredible mentors on my journey,” Boling said. “My parents, Nick and Barbie Boling, have always been catalysts for my success. They never let me become complacent and always motivate me to do more.”
He said the encouragement he gets at home has shaped how he approaches school and new opportunities.
“My dad always tells me that nothing is worth doing without giving 100%, so that’s what I do every step of the way,” he said. “Everyone in my life is always willing me forward and helping me become the best version of myself.”
As he looks forward to his senior year and life beyond high school, he is still weighing his next steps. One thing is certain, he said: he wants to explore more of the world.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go and visit and experience new places around the country and the world,” he said. “I’m not exactly sure where yet, but I want to get out of my comfort zone and be around people who have lived completely different lives than me.”
His curiosity about different people and places is also shaping how he thinks about college and a future career, and he said he is considering a future in the financial sector.
“I’m always open to learning about new career paths and majors that might interest me,” he said. “A big part of picking a field of study in today’s world is picking something that is future-proof, as we have already begun to see the impacts that AI and automated systems have had on the job market. Whatever I choose, I hope it leads to a long and happy life.”
Hancock County High School junior Tyce Boling was selected for the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program, a competitive five-week residential summer program for rising seniors statewide.
The program is open to students in the summer before their senior year and requires a nomination from their high school. The rigorous application looks at academics, leadership and service.
“There have been so many incredible mentors on my journey,” Boling said. “My parents, Nick and Barbie Boling, have always been catalysts for my success. They never let me become complacent and always motivate me to do more.”
He said the encouragement he gets at home has shaped how he approaches school and new opportunities.
“My dad always tells me that nothing is worth doing without giving 100%, so that’s what I do every step of the way,” he said. “Everyone in my life is always willing me forward and helping me become the best version of myself.”
As he looks forward to his senior year and life beyond high school, he is still weighing his next steps. One thing is certain, he said: he wants to explore more of the world.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go and visit and experience new places around the country and the world,” he said. “I’m not exactly sure where yet, but I want to get out of my comfort zone and be around people who have lived completely different lives than me.”
His curiosity about different people and places is also shaping how he thinks about college and a future career, and he said he is considering a future in the financial sector.
“I’m always open to learning about new career paths and majors that might interest me,” he said. “A big part of picking a field of study in today’s world is picking something that is future-proof, as we have already begun to see the impacts that AI and automated systems have had on the job market. Whatever I choose, I hope it leads to a long and happy life.”
Boling, 17, said he has always gravitated toward staying busy and involved.
“From the day I was born, I’ve always been a very active guy,” he said. “The most important to me, as for my high school career, have been basketball and Future Business Leaders of America.”
He said FBLA has become one of the most important parts of his high school experience.
“It has been the best surprise of high school,” he said. “I joined my freshman year and have never looked back. I absolutely love getting to compete and meet new friends from all across the state.”
He credits FBLA advisor Lori Roberts with helping him grow as a student leader.
“She has supported me every step of the way,” he said. “She recently helped me run for our region’s vice president position, which I won and will be serving as for the 2026-27 school year. I’m so excited to begin this summer and learn about all of the responsibilities the position will bring.”
Basketball has been his favorite sport for as long as he can remember, and he follows the game as closely as he plays it.
“Not only do I enjoy playing, I also love watching, following and analyzing it,” Boling said. “I am a huge Louisville fan, so I love following along during the season and the recruiting throughout the offseason.”
His time on the court has not always been easy, but the tough seasons have taught him valuable lessons.
“Our team has never been the greatest, and it’s demoralizing losing as much as we have,” he said. “Through playing though, I have learned resilience and patience that I would not have developed otherwise.”
For younger students hoping to follow a similar path and one day become Governor’s Scholars, Boling said the key is to get involved and not be afraid to try new things.
“Try everything you can, whether it’s sports, clubs or organizations,” he said. “Don’t shy away from spreading your wings because you will inevitably regret it. Apply yourself to everything you do and try to be the absolute best you can be. Get involved in your community, be kind to everyone you meet and take in as much information as you can.”
He noted that the Governor’s Scholars Program looks for students who bring more than just strong grades.
“The program wants students to be as well rounded as possible, so make sure to have strong academics, community service and extracurriculars,” he said. “Most importantly, just try to be the best version of yourself.”
Being selected as a governor’s scholar has not changed his long-term plans much, he said, but it has made the upcoming summer months feel especially important.
“I learned about the GSP my freshman year and have planned on going ever since,” he said. “The downside of doing a five-week program in the summer is that you miss out on so much of your summer. I’m not sure which campus yet, but it will be one of Morehead, Murray or Centre College.”
He knows he will give up some time at home and a few games on the court but believes the tradeoff will be worth it, he said.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to who has attended the GSP have said that they made lifelong friends and connections, which is what I’m most looking forward to,” Boling said.
The program could help him refine his choices for college, even as he is set on attending an out-of-state school.
“Because I want to go out of state for college, I don’t get any of the scholarships that the program has to offer,” he said. “However, I might learn about new career paths and completely change my tune on what I want to pursue. Overall, I am super excited to go and meet new people and have a great time.”
Posted in Local News 2