Wichita State University has selected the 2024 recipients of the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships. Each student will receive a $64,000 scholarship to attend Wichita State University starting in August 2024.  

• Karinton Newton, Summit Christian Academy (Missouri)
• Karaline Scott, Goddard High School
• Chloe Strecker, Eureka High School (Missouri)

The students competed in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational in November, with 544 other students also competing. To be invited to compete in the invitational, students had to have a 27 or higher ACT score, 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. Thirteen finalists came back to campus Jan. 18 for final interviews.

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.

Newton is planning to study criminal justice on a pre-law track. She is a three-year varsity letter earner in track and four-year member of Student Council – holding executive positions of historian (junior year) and president (senior year). Newton has been a Student Ambassador at Summit Christian Academy all four years and was appointed by school administration as a small group leader.  

“Karinton is a young lady with amazing passion and drive,” said Joe Hesman, secondary principal at Summit Christian Academy. “Karinton will easily become a leader at Wichita State as she will be a light to others around her. Her charismatic personality and bright smile is something that helps bring people in to her circle. Karinton has the drive and desire to make a positive impact wherever she is. This desire and drive are something innate to her and will be a part of her when she arrives on campus at Wichita State.”

Scott will major in applied engineering – sustainability and environmental. At Goddard High School, Scott has been the head drum major for the Lion Pride Marching Band for three years and is currently varsity cheer captain. She was the Goddard High School Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) representative in 2022 and is currently on the HOBY junior staff. Scott is involved in National Honors Society, Science Club, Student Council, church youth group, and on the USD 265 District Student Advocacy Board.

“Karaline has strong communication skills. She is a motivator with a vision and can inspire others to work towards a common goal,” said Patty Frame, Goddard High School varsity cheer coach. “Karaline seeks opportunities for personal growth and encourages others to do the same. She has an incredible work ethic, integrity, honesty and leads by example. Karaline is genuine and empathetic to others’ needs. She is confident yet humble and always makes decisions based on the well-being of our squad rather than her own needs.” 

Strecker plans to major in forensic science. Strecker is a four-year member of her school field hockey team and is the varsity captain this year. She participated in Missouri Girls State in summer 2023 and was appointed to the state patrol lieutenant position and model city winner. Strecker has been in HOSA-Future Health Professionals for four years and is the current president. She is a member of National Honor Society and spends time outside of school helping with the Sacred Heart Fish Fry, Women’s Club Rummage Sale and community blood drives.  

“The most notable thing about Chloe is her passion and her immense effort level,” said Melissa Menchella, coach for Eureka High School field hockey. “Chloe walked into every match up with the mindset to give it everything she had. Chloe is a true leader who isn’t afraid to speak up and speak the truth. She holds those around her accountable to high standards and when the team was giving anything less than their best, Chloe wasn’t afraid to address it. She is inclusive of everyone around her and shows so much excitement for her peers and her team. She wears her heart on her sleeve and brings so much joy, passion and enthusiasm to the group.”

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including 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.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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