Wichita State University is gaining a new scholar from Sioux Falls, S.D., this fall. Roosevelt High School senior Cedrick Ambrose was recently named the Linwood Sexton Scholarship recipient for the 2014-2015 academic year.

The four-year scholarship provides full tuition and fees, on-campus housing and a book stipend, opening the door for Ambrose to obtain a college education.

Student leader

During his time at Roosevelt High School, Ambrose participated in school athletics, Fellowship for Christian Athletes, Conrad’s Clan, Roosevelt High School Cancer Awareness Club and peer tutoring. Outside of school, he spends most of his time studying and volunteering for organizations such as the Children’s Home, English as Second Language, Youth Baseball League and as an assistant coach for Pee Wee League Football.

Ambrose attributes his academic and personal success to his positive attitude and strong work ethic.

“I try to find the positive in every situation,” he said, “no matter how challenging it may be.”

Ambrose looks forward to attending Wichita State in the fall, and plans to major in exercise science.

Scholarship history

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship was established in 2000 to honor its namesake, Linwood Sexton.

Sexton, a Wichita State legend in football, is a member of the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. An untiring advocate for equal opportunity and social justice, he has been honored with many awards for his efforts in promoting understanding and respect among people of different racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Incoming freshmen applicants for the scholarship must have a minimum 3.00 grade point average and demonstrate financial need. All students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to minority students majoring in business or education. The scholarship is automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.

The application review process is completed by Sexton and staff representatives from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Undergraduate Admissions, as well as faculty and staff from the W. Frank Barton School of Business and the College of Education.

Each applicant is required to submit various scholarship materials, including a one-page essay on leadership and why he or she should be the recipient of the award. Finalists are invited for an interview with the scholarship committee.