Ten high school students from Kansas, Missouri and Texas have been awarded the Koch Scholarship at Wichita State University, starting in the fall 2024 semester.

Each scholar each will be awarded $30,000 to attend WSU over four years.

• Alexander Baird, Campus High School, electrical engineering
• Samir Barraza, Colby High School, computer science
• Carson Brewer, Andover Central High School, computer science
• Tyler Casely-Hayford, Stephen F. Austin High School (Richmond, TX), mechanical engineering
• Mayce Cashman, Andale High School, finance
• Sophie Clarke, Eisenhower High School, computer science
• Kayla Gann, Smithville High School (Smithville, MO), accounting
• Jack Rue, Wichita Northwest High School, computer engineering
• Israel Torres, Wichita Northeast Magnet High School, mechanical engineering
• Erin Vance, Trinity Academy, mechanical engineering

The Koch Scholars Program was first made possible by a $1.54 million pledge from Koch Industries in 2014. The scholarship has been awarded annually by WSU’s Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College.

“Koch is thrilled to continue to foster opportunities for students throughout the Wichita community. The Koch Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to pursue an education where they can explore their passions, develop their unique talents, and achieve success,” Koch Industries Vice President of Public Affairs Meredith Olson said. “Congratulations to this year’s scholars.”

All Koch Scholars are members of the Cohen Honors College, taking honors courses and participating in various activities. The Cohen Honors College will continue to provide Koch Scholars with professional development programming, service-learning opportunities and community engagement activities.

“We’re fortunate that Koch Industries believes in supporting student aspirations,” Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College Dean Kimberly Engber said. “This year’s Koch Scholars have achieved in their classes and have had an impact beyond academics through such activities as track and field, stage managing, trumpet, drumline and speech. I look forward to the many ways they will enrich our community as they continue to develop their talents here, and I’m grateful to our partners at Koch for sustaining their dreams for the future.”

Alexander Baird is the son of Jack and Stephanie Baird and has one sibling, Jaiden. While attending Campus High School, Alexander enjoys participating in the International Baccalaureate program and GEAR-UP Equity Warriors. Outside of school, Alexander is involved in a Textron Aviation Experimental Engineering Co-Op and volunteers with the Kansas Humane Society. Alexander loves playing video games, reading books and relaxing. Alexander plans to study computer science at Wichita State University to pursue a career in video game development. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Alexander said, “Living on campus, meeting new people, engaging in campus activities and clubs, and furthering my education in computer science.”

Samir Barraza is the son of Wendaly and Adrian Ruelas and has two brothers and one sister. While attending Colby High School, Samir enjoys participating in track and field and is involved in student council. Outside of school, Samir is involved in National Honors Society and volunteers with Vacation Bible School and STEM volunteering opportunities. Samir loves to play the guitar and finds inspiration from music artist Tame Impala. Samir plans to study computer science at Wichita State University to pursue a career in software engineering. He also wants to study entrepreneurship to learn more about his passion for creating a technology business. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Samir said that he is “looking forward to the larger community/area of Wichita, the events and future volunteering that I’ll dive into, as well as meeting new people once I attend Wichita State.”

Carson Brewer is the son of Michael Brewer and Jennifer Seymour and has a sister, Ellie. While attending Andover Central High School, Carson enjoys playing the trumpet in band and participating in soccer. Outside of school, Carson is involved in WSYO Wind Ensemble and soccer. In his free time, Carson enjoys being with his friends. Carson plans to study cybersecurity at Wichita State University to pursue a career in Red Teaming and work on penetration testing. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Carson said, “Taking advantage of student organizations like Formula SAE.”

Mayce Cashman is the daughter of Jennifer Cashman and has a brother, Dylan. While attending Andale High School, Mayce enjoys participating as a class officer and as president of SADD. Outside of school, Mayce is a volunteer math level tutor and secretary at Cheney State Park. In her free time, Mayce loves to read, watch movies with family and play with her dog. Mayce plans to double-major in finance and biochemistry at Wichita State University. After graduation, Mayce plans to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a dermatologist. When asked what she is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Mayce said that she hopes to “experience a more challenging academic environment, become more independent and meet new people.”

Tyler Aiden Casely-Hayford is the son of Irvin and Renee Casely-Hayford and has three siblings; Jaidan, Tanner and Tehani. While attending Stephen F. Austin High School, Tyler enjoys participating in Engineering Club and varsity baseball. Outside of school, Tyler is involved in Lamar Little League Challenger Division, the Volunteer Buddy Program, and Texas Emergency Response Personnel. Tyler loves snowboarding, surfing and traveling with his family. He also enjoys playing the saxophone and following his passion for baseball and football. Tyler plans to study mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering at Wichita State University to find a career that embodies his passion for innovation. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Tyler said, “Acquiring practical skills applicable in the real world.” Moreover, Tyler likes the prospect of engaging in hands-on experiences within the university’s innovative labs, and that the real-world scenarios were a key aspect that drew him to Wichita State.

Sophie Clarke is the daughter of Stephanie Tovell and Sheldon Clarke and has one sister, Lily. While attending Eisenhower High School, Sophie enjoys participating in Business Professionals of America and drumline. Outside of school, Sophie is involved in Girl Scouts Robotics Troup and a Weekly Trivia League. Sophie loves to play board games with friends, watch documentaries and play video games. Sophie plans to study computer science at Wichita State University to become a computer programmer. When asked what she is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Sophie said that she is “looking forward to meeting new people that I can share my interests with and explore different applications of computer science through internships.”

Kayla Gann is the daughter of Julie and Jason Gann and has one sister, Haven. While attending Smithville High School, Kayla enjoys participating in speech, debate and Future Business Leaders of America. Outside of school, Kayla is involved in Steel Pan and volunteering through Girl Scouts. Kayla loves to read and play the drums in her free time. Kayla plans to study accounting at Wichita State University to become a Certified Public Accountant and work as an auditor. When asked what she is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Kayla said that she is “looking forward to campus life and joining new clubs.”

Jack Rue is the son of Natasha Gandhi-Rue and Scott Rue and has two older brothers, Kristopher and Nicholas. While attending Wichita Northwest High School, Jack enjoys participating in Business Professionals of American and the school newspaper. Outside of school, Jack is involved in Historical European Martial Arts and works at Rue Construction. Jack loves to run Dungeons & Dragons campaigns for his friends and working on computers. Jack plans to study electrical and computer engineering at Wichita State University with plans to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly computer hardware. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Jack said that he is “looking forward to the many opportunities in applied learning and getting experience in real world engineering.”

Israel Torres-Ayala is the son Jose Luis Torres-Chavez and Esmeralda Ayala and has one brother, Jassiel Torres. While attending Wichita Northeast Magnet High School, Israel enjoys participating in Student Council as the student-body president and UNICEF. Outside of school, Israel has an internship at Textron Aviation and is a candidate for an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology at WSU Tech. Israel enjoys volunteering at the Lord’s Diner and working on cars with his dad when has free time. Israel plans to study mechanical engineering at Wichita State University to pursue a career in aviation as a repair engineer. When asked what he is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Israel said that as a first-generation college student, he “looks forward to being an active member in the community and inspiring those like me to continue working hard to make the most out of their family’s sacrifices.”

Erin Vance is the daughter of Judd and Lisa Vance and has one sister, Sara. While attending Trinity Academy, Erin enjoys participating in her school theater productions as a stage manager and competing in Science Olympiad. Outside of school, Erin is involved in YoungLife and Extreme Kansas Camp. Erin loves spending time with family and friends, trying new food and taking care of her Chihuahua. Erin plans to study mechanical engineering at Wichita State University with minors in mathematics and physics, with hopes of becoming a principal engineer for static stress. When asked what she is most looking forward to while attending Wichita State, Erin said that she is “looking forward to meeting new people and getting involved with campus organizations.”

The Wichita State University Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College aims to engage students and faculty in innovative intellectual, creative and professional work in a complex society. We sit at the heart of an urban university with high research activity and a commitment to benefit the region and beyond. Honors students reflect these characteristics, while seeking to enrich their lives and the lives of others.

The college serves approximately 700 students in majors across campus with challenging interdisciplinary and disciplinary coursework, leadership and service learning opportunities, and faculty-mentored undergraduate research and creative activity.

Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with annual revenues as high as $125 billion. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in manufacturing, agriculture, pulp and paper, packaging, consumer products, building materials, glass, automotive components, refining, renewable energy, chemicals and polymers, electronics, enterprise software, data analytics, medical products, engineered technology, project services, recycling, supply chain and logistics, global commodities trading, and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested more than $150 billion in growth and improvements. With a presence in about 60 countries, Koch companies employ more than 120,000 people worldwide, with about half of those in the United States. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com. 

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.

Follow Wichita State on social media:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube
• X | Twitter
• Facebook