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.
The 2023 Gore Scholars are:
- Maley HansenNorth Wichita High School
- Lesly HernándezCorn High School
- Jayden Island, Derby High School
Students competed in DSI in November, with 480 other students competing. To be invited to compete in the invitational, students had to have an ACT score of 27 or higher, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or be ranked in the top 10% of their class. Once invited, students completed an application, including essays, and entered an on-campus leadership contest. Fourteen finalists returned to campus on January 19 for final talks.
As with Gore Scholars before them, the three grantees are involved in their schools and communities this year and plan to do the same at Wichita State University.
Maley Hansen
Hansen plans to study business administration. He is a four-year varsity member and team captain of his Scholars Bowl team and is the current chapter president for DECA and Business Professionals of America. Hansen is a Wichita North athlete, participated as a varsity in soccer, and was a state qualifier in golf and wrestling. He volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross Blood Drive, Bank of America and more.
“Maley has natural leadership qualities that set her apart from other students,” said Rocky Genz, senior vice president of Bank of America. “She is passionate about volunteering in the community and she has volunteered with our company even after 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 raises the bar for herself. Maley will thrive and experience much success at Wichita State.
Lesly Hernández
Hernandez will major in political science. At Maize High, Lesly serves as co-president of the Multicultural Club, senior class president, and secretary of the National Honor Society. She holds the first alpha violin chair in the orchestra at Maize High School.
“When Lesly was in fifth or sixth grade, I noticed her emotional maturity and ability to not only be a teammate and friend but also bring out the best in others,” said Kristy Smith, director of Hernandez orchestra. “Lesly is resilient and forward-thinking. You work hard, treat others with respect and kindness, and let others know they are appreciated. I’m excited about her future and she makes me smile that she’s going to be a fellow Shocker.
Jayden Island
Island plans to major in biological sciences. They are a member of Derby High’s National Honor Society, chair of debating and forensics, and chair of Future Health Professionals. They also participate in track and field and are members of the student council and the KEY Club.
“Jayden is a great asset to the many organizations he belongs to. They are naturally driven to do things and to do them to the best of their ability. Jayden works well with others and also encourages others to reach their potential. They are fun to have in class as they engage and ask questions. Their curiosity leads to great conversations, discoveries and new ideas,” said Derby High School Biomedical Pathways teacher Dylan Brown.
