The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University visited Valley Center High School to award senior Luke Hoy the 2025 Clay Barton Scholarship Feb. 26. The surprise included an announcement and presentation of a ceremonial check of $50,000, which is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas.

“I was not expecting this, not at all,” Hoy said. “It’s not an everyday occurrence for people to come into your classroom and give you $50,000.”

Hoy plans to pursue a degree in finance with a goal of becoming an orthodontist and opening his own practice. To become a Barton Scholar, Hoy competed against numerous other high school seniors in a series of speeches, group exercises and other activities.

“Luke exemplifies true integrity, professionalism and a sharp business acumen,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School. “Barton Scholars represent the best and brightest of our college, and I am thrilled to see how Luke will continue to build on the Barton legacy through his academic excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service.”

Along with his studies, Hoy is a member of the Valley Center High School soccer and tennis teams. He also owns his own lawn mowing business, is involved in his church and loves playing pickleball with his friends. He will begin taking classes at WSU in fall 2025.

“I am very grateful to receive this scholarship, and I am looking forward to joining the community and making new friends,” Hoy said. “Being a Barton Scholar is an answer to my prayers.”

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 National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry-funded engineering R&D and No. 8 overall for engineering R&D.

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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