Jim Hill High School senior receives millions in college scholarship offers. Details here

Jim Hill High School is recognizing a senior who has earned more than $1.4 million in scholarships only three months into her senior year.

Dana Bolden has received 34 scholarship offers out of 60 applications thus far from various colleges including Alcorn State University, Southern University of Louisiana, Drake University, which is a private university in Iowa, and even schools in New York.

Bolden said her determination is what landed her these opportunities. The 17-year-old mentioned she comes from a background that was "not so successful." But even when she is struggling, she tells herself that she will find a way to succeed.

"I'm going to college," Bolden said, adding that she will be a first-generation college student.

Bolden said she has spent hours submitting scholarship applications since the summer of 2023 into the first day of school with the goal of gathering financial resources.

It is unclear if any of her offers are full rides, but ultimately, she can only accept offers for one institution. The aspiring Biology major said she is leaning toward choosing Mississippi State University, if she stays in Mississippi. However, if she ventures outside of the Magnolia state, she hopes to experience "something new."

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With nearly six months until graduation, Bolden said she doesn't know exactly what to expect for the future. She does believe she can top a previous student at Jim Hill High School who received $1.5 million in scholarship offers two years ago.

"I'm already halfway there," Bolden said.

Bolden's effort to balance extracurricular activities like band, while pursuing scholarship opportunities has not gone unnoticed by Bobby D. Brown, principal of Jim Hill High School.

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Brown said he believes that Bolden's scholarship offers could climb to $5 million before graduation.

He said Bolden doesn't allow going without certain financial resources to be the reason she can't achieve success. Instead, she uses her experiences as "fuel to her fire" to push on.

"When she sets her mind to do something, then it's an absolute for her. And through my time of knowing her, those decisions have been for the uplift of herself personally and being a vessel to uplift her family," Brown said.

Brown acknowledged how transitioning from high school to college can be a difficult process for some, especially when finances are involved. To help that transition be more smooth, Brown said he has become a pivotal person for Bolden and other students.

"I'm not going to waver and change," Brown said. "Through adolescence, what students need the most is a steady hand that is unwavering. So, when they follow the path that has been designed for them, the support is still there to ensure their success."

Retired Maj. Frank Branch, an academic adviser and tutor at Jim Hill High School, is another key in promoting student success. He said he provides students with opportunities that align with their majors and becomes a listening ear for students seeking academic advice.

During his 30 years of joining Jim Hall, previously as head of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Branch has been recognized for producing what are called "million-dollar babies" each academic school year. These students receive millions of dollars in scholarships funds to continue their education after high school.

Under Branch's assistance, Jim Hill has accumulated on average $17 million of scholarships per class and $200 million in scholarships for students to attend some of the notable institutions in the nation.

Branch said during his encounters with Bolden, he has seen her grow academically and in her personal life.

"Her self-esteem has shot through the roof," Branch said. "Her hard work through preparation is what has made her successful."

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jim Hill High senior college scholarship offers over $1 million