Wichita Collegiate School senior Essence Dickinson has been named the Linwood Sexton Scholarship recipient for the 2015-16 academic year at Wichita State University.

The four-year, full-ride scholarship provides tuition and fees, on-campus housing and a book stipend that has opened the door for Dickinson to be involved with on-campus extracurricular activities while obtaining her college education.

Dickinson is described by Annette Shamas, her high school's director for the Department of College Counseling, as "a unique, humble, dedicated and appreciative student that stands out as one of the most intuitive and empathetic students I have worked with."

A student leader

During her time at Wichita Collegiate, Dickinson participated in school athletics, Spanish club, pep band and Dinner Theatre Musical. Outside of school, she spends most of her time studying and volunteering for organizations such as the Lord’s Diner and is an active member of the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Dickinson attributes her academic and personal success to her positive attitude and strong work ethic that was instilled by her mother’s hard work. She said, “I take pride in my multicultural background and allow it to motivate me towards higher levels of achievement, while my quest for knowledge has set me up for a better life.”

Dickinson looks forward to attending Wichita State in the fall and plans to major in accounting.

Scholarship history

The Linwood Sexton Scholarship was established in 2000 to honor its namesake, Linwood Sexton. Sexton, a legendary football player for the University of Wichita, 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 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 Diversity and Inclusion and Undergraduate Admissions, as well as faculty and staff from the W. Frank Barton School of Business and 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.