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It was during her time in Spain that the idea sparked—an experience that ultimately led her to Brown University. That’s the thing about life: when you learn to go with the flow, you might be surprised by where it leads you.
During her time at Apalachee High School, Holly McCauley always had a plan. She was focused, driven, and knew exactly who she wanted to be.
She was heavily involved in a wide range of activities that helped shape her leadership and character. Holly served as drum major for two years—a role she had aspired to since her first year in band.
"Band was my favorite part of school," she shared. "I knew I wanted to be a drum major from the start." Her time in band brought exciting opportunities: traveling to Disney, performing in parades, competitions, and attending a summer camp at the University of Georgia.
Beyond band, Holly was active in several honor societies, including BETA Club, National Honor Society (where she served as President), Tri-M Music Honor Society, English Honors, and Social Studies Honors. She also played tennis for one season and was a member of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. “Since my mom worked at the school, I was often there after hours. I figured I might as well get involved—and I’m so glad I did.”
She graduated in the top ten of her class in 2019 and went on to attend the University of Southern California. There, she enrolled in the Thematic Option Honors Program—an alternative to the traditional education path. "I started college with plans to go to law school, but as I studied, I realized I wanted something different."
Inspired by her high school teacher, Mrs. Trice, who had taught English abroad, Holly pursued her own dream of teaching overseas. “I always wanted to teach abroad, and Mrs. Trice made that seem possible.” That dream became reality when she taught English in Spain and discovered a passion for working with teenagers. “I fell in love with the experience—it sparked something in me.”
That spark led her to pursue a Master’s in Secondary Education and Teaching at Brown University, where she is currently enrolled and set to graduate in Spring 2026. Her long-term goal is to move to New York and teach, combining her love for education with her interest in publishing.
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