For most high school students, earning a strong ACT score is considered a major accomplishment. For one Scottsboro High School senior, it became something more, a long-term goal that turned into a defining achievement.
McGowan Holt has earned a perfect 36 on the ACT, placing him among a very small percentage of students nationwide to reach the exam’s highest possible score. But for Holt, the milestone wasn’t something that happened suddenly. It was years in the making.
“I remember as a freshman thinking, ‘I’m going to make a 36,’ just because it sounded cool,” Holt said with a smile. “At the time, it felt like a long shot, but I just kept working toward it.”
That mindset, setting a goal early and steadily working toward it, became the foundation of his success.
Holt first took the ACT as a sophomore, scoring a 33, already earning a score that would place most students among the top academic performers in the country. But instead of settling, he saw it as a starting point.
“I knew I could do better,” he said. “It wasn’t about being satisfied with that score. It was about seeing where I could improve and going back at it.”
Through only a few test attempts, Holt continued refining his approach. Rather than relying heavily on outside tutoring or hours of independent study, he credits consistency and the academic structure provided by Scottsboro High School.
“I didn’t really do a ton of studying outside of school,” he said. “At Scottsboro, we take practice exams early on, and those helped me more than anything. They made me comfortable with the test and helped me understand what to expect.”
Those early practice opportunities built confidence, but just as importantly, they helped remove the pressure often associated with standardized testing.
He also emphasized the importance of persistence.
“It wasn’t something that just happened overnight,” he said. “It was just taking it, learning from it and trying again. Every time I took it, I learned something new.”
Now, with graduation approaching, Holt’s academic path is leading him to the University of Alabama, where he has been accepted into the prestigious Randall Research Scholars Program.
The program is widely recognized as one of the top undergraduate research opportunities in the country, giving students early access to advanced research experiences typically reserved for graduate-level study.
“It was huge for me,” Holt said. “It’s one of the top undergraduate research programs in the country, and it gives you opportunities that most students don’t get until much later.”
Through the program, Holt will begin working alongside university professors early in his college career, eventually progressing toward leading his own independent research projects as an upperclassman.
“Most of the time, research is something you don’t really get into until graduate school,” he said. “But this gives me a chance to start early and really figure out what I want to do.”
Holt plans to major in chemical engineering, a demanding academic path that aligns with his natural strengths and long-standing interest in science and mathematics.
“I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and figuring out how things work,” he said. “Chemical engineering just seemed like a good fit for that.”
While he acknowledges that his long-term career path is still evolving, Holt views the research program as a way to explore possibilities.
“I don’t have everything mapped out,” he said. “I’m really just looking forward to exploring different opportunities, figuring out what I enjoy, what I’m good at and where I can make a difference.”
Part of that curiosity has already taken shape outside the classroom. Holt described experimenting with hydroponic growing systems, a method of cultivating plants without soil, as one of his personal projects.
“I started building small hydroponic towers,” he said. “It’s something I haven’t worked on as much recently because of soccer season, but it’s something I definitely want to get back into.”
That hands-on curiosity reflects a broader interest in applying science to real-world challenges, an interest that has also been shaped by personal experience.
“My grandmother passed away from cancer, and that’s something that’s motivated me,” Holt said. “I’ve looked at research groups that focus on cancer studies, and that’s something I’d definitely be interested in.”
Outside of academics, Holt has remained active in athletics and personal interests. As a member of the school’s soccer program, he helped contribute to a recent playoff appearance, a meaningful milestone for a program still building its identity.
“I started playing as a freshman, so I’m still relatively new to it,” he said. “I’m not at the level to play in college, but I love the game. It’s something I definitely want to keep doing, even if it’s just intramurals.”
Beyond soccer, Holt finds balance through creative outlets, including music and art.
“I play guitar, and I enjoy watercolor painting,” he said. “I don’t really perform or anything like that. It’s more just something I do for myself. It helps me relax and kind of step away from everything else.”
A lifelong resident of Scottsboro, Holt said his success is rooted in the support system that has surrounded him throughout his life.
“I’ve just been really blessed with people who have invested in me,” he said. “My parents, my grandparents and my teachers, they’ve all played a big role in helping me get to this point.”
When asked about specific influences, Holt spoke with appreciation about the guidance he’s received from family. Holt is the son of Annie Johnson and Zac Holt, and the grandson of Jenifer Holt, Buddy Holt, Fost Daniel and the late Suzi Daniel.
“Jena always told me to make my own path,” he said. “And Pappy has always reminded me to never lose my faith or forget my family.”
He also reflected on the example set by his grandfather.
“My mom’s dad is someone I’ve always admired,” Holt said. “He’s always worked really hard, especially for my grandmother, and that’s something I’ve always taken to heart.”
“And my parents,” he added. “They’ve given me everything.”
His parents say his achievements are the result of years of dedication.
“McGowan has worked extremely hard to put himself in a position to achieve his goals,” his father, Zac Holt, said. “His passion for reading and his natural ability with math were evident from an extremely young age. He continued to develop those skills, and we could not be more proud of the hard work that turned into this success.”
His mother, Annie Johnson, said his love for science has been clear since childhood.
“He’s known since he was a young child that he loved science,” she said. “He loves learning and has worked hard academically since elementary school. When he was in first grade, he wrote that he wanted to be a scientist. I hope that dream comes true for him.”
Holt also credited educators at Scottsboro High School for pushing him to grow academically.
“They’ve challenged me and helped me improve,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
As he prepares to transition to college life in Tuscaloosa, Holt said he feels both excited and prepared for what lies ahead.
“I think the program will help a lot with that transition,” he said. “You kind of have a built-in community, and that makes it easier. Plus, I’ve got a few friends going there too, so that helps.”
Despite achieving one of the highest academic honors possible, Holt carries himself with humility, something that stands out the second you meet him.
“I don’t have everything figured out yet,” he said. “But I’m excited to explore and see where it takes me.”
From a freshman with a simple idea to a senior achieving one of the most elite academic benchmarks in the country, Holt’s journey reflects persistence, discipline and perspective, along with a willingness to embrace the opportunities ahead.
And while the perfect score may mark the end of one chapter, it’s clear that for Holt, it’s only the beginning.
Congratulations, McGowan!
