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ORAU announces recipients of 2021 Pollard Scholarships

Scholarships recognize area academic achievers and leaders

ORAU has awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each toward undergraduate studies for the 2021-2022 academic year. The recipients of this year’s scholarships include Semilore (Semmy) Abiodun-Adeniyi, Olivia Campbell, Olivia Hudson, Sara Malicoat and Trisha Prater.

Each year, ORAU awards these scholarships to employees’ children or stepchildren who display exceptional achievements in their high school or undergraduate studies. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended, three references (at least two of which must be from teachers) and a 500-word essay describing professional and personal interests.

The William G. Pollard Scholarship Awards are presented in honor of ORAU’s founder in recognition of his dedication to science and education. A University of Tennessee physics professor, Pollard founded the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies—which later became ORAU—to link the valuable scientific resources developed in Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project with regional universities.

Below are additional details on each of this year’s winners:

Impact Areas

Semmy Abiodun-Adeniyi

Son of Foluso Abiodun Adeniyi of Oak Ridge, Semilore (Semmy) Abiodun-Adeniyi is a 2021 honors graduate of Oak Ridge High School. This fall, he is attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and majoring in computer science. He said computer science is a field he has been passionate about since middle school, and he plans on becoming a software engineer after graduating. He plays the violin and has experience playing the piano. His hobbies include coding, drawing and reading.

Olivia Campbell

Daughter of Bryan and Kimberley Campbell of Knoxville, Olivia Campbell attends East Tennessee State University and is majoring in Spanish with a triple minor in dance, linguistics and pre-K through 12th grade English as a Second Language (ESL) education. She said she hopes to one day teach English as a second language abroad and in the U.S. She is interning this summer with the Latino Student Fund in Washington, D.C., teaching ESL classes. Besides focusing on Spanish, she provides campus tours weekly, and she is the president of the tour association, Expedition Leaders. She also teaches tap dance classes in Johnson City and in Jonesborough to children and adults.

Olivia Hudson

Daughter of Paul and Natascha Hudson of Coalfield, Olivia Hudson is a sophomore at Tennessee Technological University. She said she enjoys learning, reading, writing and playing sports. She has participated in American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Creative Writing Club, Remote Area Medical Clinic and the Chemical Medical Club. She has finished a novel and is in the process of getting it published. She already has published a book of poems titled, Even a White Rose Casts a Black Shadow. She said she is excited to pursue her goal of becoming a cardiologist, and she wants to be able to give back to her community and hopes that she will be able to make a difference in someone’s life.

Sara Malicoat

Daughter of Steve and Julie Malicoat of Lake City, Sara Malicoat is a 2021 graduate of Powell High School, where she graduated with honors and distinction. She received the Dual Enrollment Scholar Award for completing 12 hours of dual-enrollment courses, while working part-time. She was a member of the National Honor Society and business manager of the annual staff. She said she loves animals and is passionate about helping others. She participates in numerous volunteer activities, including Knox Area Rescue Ministries, and she will soon start with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. She is currently enrolled at Pellissippi State Community College and will pursue a career in pediatric oncology.

Trisha Prater

Daughter of Shannon Prater of Philadelphia, Tenn., Trisha Prater is an alumna of Midway High School and Roane State Community College. She is currently an upcoming senior at Tennessee Tech University, majoring in Elementary Education. She has held a 4.0 GPA while attending Tennessee Tech University and has been on the Dean's list each semester. She said she plans on earning her middle school endorsement along with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as a substitute teacher for the elementary and middle schools in the Roane County School District. She said she loves her job. When she is not at school or working, she said she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and shopping.

ORAU Media Contacts and Information

About ORAU

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health, and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local, and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Media Contacts

Pam BoneeDirector, CommunicationsCell: (865) 603-5142
Wendy WestManager, CommunicationsCell: (865) 207-7953