The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the largest and most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas. Valued at $50,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and a passion for business.

Eight finalists emerged from a competitive pool of students who participated in the Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik (AGH) Scholarship Competition on Nov. 21. This rigorous event tests candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving through a series of group exercises, presentations and interviews.

• Luke Fouts from Goddard, Kansas; Bishop Carroll Catholic High School; major: entrepreneurship
• Gabriel Howland from Wichita; Campus High School in Haysville, Kansas; major: entrepreneurship
• Adeline Lank from Wichita; Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School; major: entrepreneurship
• Samantha Owens from Leon, Kansas; Bluestem High School; major: business administration
• Alyssa Pace from Belle Plaine, Kansas; Belle Plaine Senior High School; major: marketing
• Gabriel Shaffer from Valley Center, Kansas; Valley Center High School; major: business-undecided
• Nathan Stigers from Shawnee, Kansas; Shawnee Mission North High School; major: accounting
• Zach Tschauder from Atchison, Kansas; Atchison High School; major: accounting

The finalist selected as the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will receive the $50,000 scholarship. The remaining seven finalists will each receive a $20,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements and potential, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the experience.

"The AGH Scholarship Competition brings together some of the brightest and most driven students across the country,” said Rani Somers, recruitment coordinator for the Barton School. "This event allows us the opportunity to showcase the amazing services we provide for our business students at Wichita State University. Each of these finalists is incredibly accomplished and bright. We have enjoyed getting to know them all, and we are excited to be a chapter in the story of their bright futures.”

The next stage of the competition is Feb. 13. The final selection for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will be announced in spring 2026. The chosen recipient will join an elite group of Barton Scholars whose legacy of success and service continues to shape Wichita State and the business community at large.

More information about the Clay Barton Scholarship and the Barton School of Business

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (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- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 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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