High school students Sandra Carlo from Wichita, and Brayden Hosman from Sterling, Kansas, have won Wichita State University's Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships.

They will each receive $15,000 a year for four years to attend Wichita State, a total of $60,000. The scholarship previously had been $52,000. A surprise announcement of the increase was made during the award ceremony.

Carlo is a senior at Maize High School, and Hosman is a senior at Sterling High School.

The scholarships, awarded annually at WSU, recognize leadership and academic skills and are two of the largest undergraduate scholarships in Kansas.

Sandra Carlo

Carlo, who is interested in studying English and creative writing at Wichita State, is captain of her debate team, editor of The Red Feather Literary/Arts Magazine at Maize High and co-founder of the Feminist Club.

She also was accepted to the Wichita Bar Association’s Grow Your Own Lawyer program last year and was selected to intern with the WBA.

Carlo has been involved in Peer Helpers events, such as Anti-Bullying Awareness Week, and has volunteered for the American Diabetes Association and Dance Reflections, a special needs dance recital.

“Her leadership potential is unmatched,” said Curtis Shephard, Carlo’s debate coach. “She can communicate with students from diverse backgrounds and interests and motivate them to perform to the best of their ability.” 

Brayden Hosman

Hosman, president of his school’s Student Council and National Honor Society, hopes to study international business at Wichita State.

He has been a member of the City of Sterling Economic Steering Committee, where he helped mold the 20-year comprehensive plan for the city.

Hosman is also a state qualifier in debate and president of the Rice County 4-H and Drug Free Youth in Town.

A member of the golf team, Hosman is involved in Future Business Leaders of America, as well as Family Community and Career Leaders of America.

“Brayden Hosman is by far one of the finest students I have ever been associated with in my educational career,” said Bill Anderson, principal of Sterling High School. “He brings a unique quality of humor, engaging personality, leadership skills and moral character. This is a combination rarely found in students of his age. Words can't describe how much of an impact he made on helping our new students by organizing mixers, break-out groups and schedules to bring a positive experience on the first day of school for our new kids.” 

Background

To be considered for the Gore Scholarships, Carlo and Hosman competed in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational in November. Students must have a 24 or higher ACT score and a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.

Gore scholarships have been awarded annually since 1954 to freshmen entering WSU who display outstanding potential for leadership.

Theodore and Ralph Gore established the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship in 1952.