Wichita State University has selected the 2022 recipients of the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships. Each student will receive a $64,000 scholarship to attend WSU in fall 2022.

• Caden Carlson, Aurora High School in Aurora, Nebraska
• Brynna Mays, Topeka West High School
• Audrey Menzies, Piper High School in Kansas City, Kansas

The students competed in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational in November, with more than 400 total students participating. To be invited to compete in the invitational, students had to have a 27 or higher ACT score, or a 3.5 or higher GPA, or rank in the top 10%of their class. Once invited, students completed an application, including essays, and competed in an on-campus leadership competition.

As with Gore Scholars before them, the three recipients this year are involved in their schools and communities and plan to do the same at Wichita State University.

Caden Carlson, from Aurora High school in Aurora, Nebraska

Caden is planning to study aerospace engineering. He served as the state secretary and state vice president for the Nebraska chapter of Future Business Leaders of America and president of National Honors Society. He worked extensively in robotics as team lead for Youth Engaged in Tech and Innovation where he took fourth place in nationals. He won state championship in football and was state runner-up in pole vault. He is owner and operator Carlson CA.

Chad Johnson, CEO of Grain Weevil Corporation where Caden interns, said “Caden has all the makings of a servant leader. His unselfish attitude brings out the best in each and every team member. And when it counts, he will step up without needing to take the credit.”

Lois Hixson, Caden’s high school business teacher and advisor in FBLA, said, “Caden’s natural communication skills and ability to share his energy, enthusiasm and practical knowledge will enable him to be an impactful leader and team member. His ability to dream about the ‘what if?’ is complimented by his curiosity and strong work ethic.”

Brynna Mays, from Topeka West High School

Brynna plans to study pre-physical therapy. She plays tenor saxophone and is section leader for the varsity band at her high school. She is the executive vice president of Topeka’s West’s Student Council. She also participates in softball as first baseman for Topeka West Softball and the club softball team. She is a member in several organizations such as Link Crew, National Honor Society, Future Health Professionals Association and Spirit Club.

Christine Steinkuehler, gifted facilitator at Topeka West High School, said, “Brynna will be a leader at WSU because she is thoughtful. She thinks through the details, possible scenarios, and weighs her options. Brynna takes on a challenge and doesn’t look back; she only looks forward.”

Brynna’s math teacher and coach, Becky Svaty commented, “Brynna is able to relate to a variety of people, no matter their background. She always sets a good example, never asking anyone to do something she isn’t willing to do herself. She shows up on time, ready to work – and then works harder than anyone else.”

Audrey Menzies from Piper High School in Kansas City, Kansas

Audrey is interested in studying social work at Wichita State. She is co-captain and All-American nominee for the Piper High School Dance Team. She has been dancing competitively since the age of 8 and has attended competitions and conventions all throughout the country. She has served the role as business manager, lead design editor and editor-in-chief for her high school newspaper. She is also a member of several organizations such as Diversity Club, 20/20 Leadership, Prayer Warriors and student council.

Amanda Bauman, teacher and publications advisor at Piper High School, said, “Audrey has an excellent outlook on life. She puts her best foot forward in everything she does and thinks with reason in mind. Audrey has set standards for our publication that increased productivity and quality, all while sharing her positivity with the team.”

Co-owner of Premiere Dance & Performing Arts in Kansas City Tiffany Miller had this to say about Audrey: “When Audrey walks into a room she lights it up. She has a heart for everyone that she meets. Audrey leads by example; and because of that she will leave a legacy of not only talented dancers, but also sweet, positive and kind humans.” 

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Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 16,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

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