Wichita State University has selected the 2023 recipients of the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships. Each student will receive a $64,000 scholarship to attend Wichita State University in August 2023.  

• Maley Hansen, Wichita North High School
• Lesly Hernandez, Maize High School
• Jayden Island, Derby High School

The students competed in DSI in November, with 480 other students also competing. 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. Fourteen finalists came back to campus Jan. 19 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.

Hansen is planning to study business administration. She is a four-year varsity member and team captain of her Scholars Bowl team and is the current chapter president for DECA and Business Professionals of America. Hansen is a Wichita North athlete, participating as a varsity member in soccer, and was a state qualifier in golf and wrestling. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross Blood Drive, Bank of America and more.

“Maley has natural leadership qualities that make her stand out from other students,” said Bank of America Senior Vice President Rocky Genz. “She is passionate about volunteering in the community and has volunteered with our company even beyond her internship. The attributes I admire most are Maley’s values, her work ethic and how she makes everyone around her better. She is goal-oriented and sets the bar high for herself. Maley will thrive and experience much success at Wichita State.”

Hernandez will major in political science. At Maize High, Lesly is co-president of the Multicultural Club, senior class president and secretary of the National Honor Society. She holds first chair alpha violin in the Maize High School orchestra.

“When Lesly was in 5th or 6th grade, I noticed her emotional maturity and ability to not only be a teammate and friend, but also to bring out the best in others,” said Kristy Smith, Hernandez’s orchestra director. “Lesly is resilient and forward-thinking. She works hard, treats others with respect and kindness, and lets others know they are valued. I am excited about her future, and it makes me smile that she will be a fellow Shocker.”

Island plans to major in biological sciences. They are in Derby High’s National Honor Society, president of debate and forensics, and president of Future Health Professionals. They also participate in track and field and are a member of student council and KEY Club.

“Jayden is a great asset to the many organizations they belong to. They are naturally driven to get things done and do them to the best of their abilities. Jayden works well with others and encourages others to reach their potential as well. They are fun to have in class as they engage and ask questions. Their curiosity leads to great conversations, discoveries and new ideas,” said Dylan Brown, Derby High School Biomedical Pathways teacher.