The Honors College at Wichita State University has announced the inaugural class of Koch Scholars. These 10 students will be awarded $30,000 each over the course of four years, in addition to general merit scholarships they have earned.

The Koch Scholarship is made possible by a pledge from Koch Industries and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation. Of the $11.25 million pledged to WSU, $1.54 million was dedicated to competitive awards for Honors College freshmen who will be high achieving students in majors within the College of Engineering or the W. Frank Barton School of Business.

Koch Scholars agree to live on campus their first year, remain active in the Honors College and pursue a major in the business or engineering.

Selection for these competitive scholarships was based on high school GPAs and test scores, work, volunteer and leadership experiences, and an essay. A luncheon and visit to Koch Industries is scheduled for Friday, March 27, for the Koch Scholars.

R. Chase Crenshaw, Andover High School, computer science

Crenshaw is a competitor in debate and forensics, having qualified for the state competition in debate. He is also active in theater and band, and serves as drum major in the marching band. His other experiences include varsity lacrosse and cross country, as well as participating in boys state.

Kiehn A. Foraker, Rose Hill High School, computer science

Foraker has held leadership positions in the Butler County 4-H Council and the Technology Student Association, where he has also placed in the State Competition for Science Visualization. He is in band and the National Honor Society, where he volunteered with blood drives and Adopt-a-Family. He also broadcasts church services to local homebound congregation members.

"Liberal education is necessary in order to connect the heart to the head, and in turn, the hands." – Kiehn A. Foraker

Courtney N. Grosch, Newton High School, economics

Grosch is in debate and forensics and has placed in many competitions across the state. She is also a leader as part of the National Honor Society, the National Business Honor Society, the Student Advisory Council, Business Professionals of America, and DECA. In addition, her experiences include music, theater and softball.

Morgan K. Jarrett, Mulvane High School, computer engineering

Jarrett was in band as a saxophonist and pianist. He serves as a staff writer on the Mulvane High School Newspaper. He has also participated in Scholar’s Bowl.

Kyle C. Kopecky, Blue Valley North High School, finance and marketing

Kopecky is a Kansas Honors Scholar and Blue Valley North Ambassador who participated in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, debate, Spanish National Honor Society, and varsity state swim team and diving team. Recently, he won at state DECA for his team event and has qualified to compete at the 2015 DECA International competition in late April.

"I believe that without putting forth my greatest effort and experiencing the risks and trials of defeat, I would never know the thrill of victory." – Kyle C. Kopecky

Thomas P.S. Schmidt, Wichita Northwest High School, economics and finance

Schmidt is a Kansas Honors Scholar and National Honors Society Scholar. He has held leadership roles in Wichita Teen Heroes and the French Honors Society. He has participated in Boys State Legion of Kansas, tennis and cross country.

"Everyone stumbles, and because people stumble, communities do too." – Thomas P.S. Schmidt

Daniel L. Martin, Flinthills High School, economics

Martin is a competitor in math and chemistry competitions across the state. He has held leadership roles in Student Council, Scholar’s Bowl and Future Farmers of America Sentinel. He has also attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.

Nicholas A. Perkins, Andover High School, computer engineering

Perkins has served as co-director of volunteer recruiting for the Andover Schools Community Volunteers. He is also active in his church youth group, as well as being a volunteer, having volunteered for Wichita Hoops, Trunk or Treat, and His Helping Hands. His other activities include jazz and marching band, wrestling and soccer.

Jessica L. Wehkamp, Cimarron High School, accounting

Wehkamp is in the Kansas Association for Youth; Scholar’s Bowl; Students Against Destructive Decisions; National Society of High School Scholars; Family, Consumer and Career Leaders of America; and A-Team. She served as treasurer of the National Honor Society for two years. Her volunteer work includes Pennies for Patients, Senior Olympics and Operation Christmas Child. She has also participated in race car driving and volleyball.

Taylor M. Williams, Wichita High School East, mechanical engineering

Williams will graduate from the International Baccalaureate program. She has served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, the YMCA, the United Way, Larksfield Place, Special Olympics, the Kansas Food Bank, and the Urban Preparatory Academy. She has also participated in the Spanish Club, the National Art Honor Society, Sign Language Club, Crochet Club and the Global Awareness and Peace Promoters club.

“The unpredictable future and the memorable past depend on the individual in the present.” – Taylor M. Williams