Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has announced the next class of high school seniors to join the Wallace Scholars program.
The ten Wallace Scholarship awardees will each get $30,500 to attend Wichita State for four years. One student who receives the Gore Scholarship will be an honorary Wallace scholar.
Wallace scholars are a group of over 45 College of Engineering students that represent every class and nearly every major. Wallace scholars are active in the College of Engineering, throughout the Wichita State campus, and in the Wichita community.
The Wallace Scholarship is awarded based on applicants’ high school GPA, ACT scores, and performance at the annual Wallace Invitational for Scholarships in Engineering (WISE), which was held in November and drew 165 students from 15 states.
The Wallace Scholarship is funded by the Dwane and Velma Wallace Endowment, which was established in 1976 to promote scholarships for engineering and computing students as well as the College of Engineering. Since 1980, the endowment has supported over 360 engineering and computing students at Wichita State.
Elijah Allen
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita Collegiate High School
Aerospace engineering
Elijah acquired his enthusiasm for aeronautical engineering during internships at Textron Aviation and the National Institute for Aviation Research. As a three-time captain of the Wichita Collegiate Robotics team, he took classes to learn the CAD, machining, and additive manufacturing skills needed to bring his concepts to life. Elijah, a National Merit Scholar, enjoys learning and coaching his classmates in mathematics and physics. When Elijah isn’t studying math or working on CAD projects, he’s weightlifting or training for his high school’s varsity bowling team.
Benjamin Aquino
Edmond, Oklahoma
Homeschool
Aerospace engineering
Benjamin became fascinated with engineering after participating in FIRST Robotics. He has been participating in FIRST Robotics for nine years and presently serves as the business lead for FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2718. He has participated in numerous outreach activities through FIRST, including leading robotics camps and mentoring more than 10 FIRST Lego League teams. Benjamin is also the captain of the StellarXplorers team, which finished sixth in the STLX10 season. He is a volunteer at his local church and a teaching assistant at his homeschool co-op. His hobbies include game design, reading, and role-playing games.
Nasya Choy
Conway, Arkansas
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Science, and the Arts
Aerospace engineering
Nasya, an aspiring aerospace engineer, enjoys participating in school groups and other extracurricular activities. Throughout high school, she was a member of her robotics team and competed in VEX and BEST Robotics at the international level. Currently, she is the captain of the robotics team. She also serves as president of her school’s Dance Club and executive secretary of the Student Government. with these roles, she has hosted numerous dance performances and assisted with the organization of Fall Fest, an event that garnered more than $1,000 in ticket sales. Outside of clubs, she has been recognized for her academic achievements at the worldwide level. She is a National Merit Semifinalist and a member of the World Science Scholars Class of 2022. She enjoys playing Tetrisweeper, which combines Tetris with Minesweeper, as well as the New York Times logic games.
Isabelle Christensen
Salina, Kansas
Southeast of Saline High School
Biomedical engineering
Isabelle developed her interest in engineering during her sophomore year of high school, while attending an engineering camp for rural Kansas children. She came to see engineering as a practical and transformative extension of creativity and invention. Isabelle participates in her school’s dance team, drama club, mass choir, and select madrigal choirs. Isabelle is actively involved in all facets of her society, holding key positions in groups such as FCCLA, NHS, and Student Government. In her spare time, Isabelle enjoys reading, swimming, and watching good movies.
T Goode
Wichita, Kansas
Maize South High School
Electrical engineering
T has been fascinated with technology for much of his life, which stems from viewing science fiction films like “Star Wars” and “Back to the Future.” He attends Maize South High School and plays soccer, track, and on the Rocket League Esports team. T is a two-time state soccer winner who also competed in the state track championship as an alternate for the 1,600- and 3,200-meter relays. You’ll frequently find him running about, practicing for the next track season and, more significantly, for the joy of running itself. T enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, playing board games with his family, and working on one of his engineering projects.
Evelyn Hrencher
Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond North High School
Aerospace engineering
Evelyn has always enjoyed problem solving and is excited to take it to the next level with aerospace engineering. Evelyn learnt about aeronautical engineering during an engineering camp and through her school’s StellarXplorers program. Evelyn serves as president of the French Club and vice president of the Drama Department. She is also a member of the Key Club and the National Honor Society. Evelyn spends her summers on the water, racing sailboats and instructing at a youth sailing camp. She loves to read, bake, and spend time with her friends, family, and two dogs.
Cameron Klug
Gardner, Kansas
Gardner Edgerton High School
Mechanical engineering
Cameron decided to specialize in engineering because he was fascinated by the unique mechanics present in many devices or items. He enjoys solving difficult, elaborate puzzles and models. He enjoys playing a variety of instruments, including the cello, guitar, and bass guitar. He participates in the competition-based chamber orchestra, theater, the interior design department, and the varsity scholars bowling team. Cameron enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his siblings, parents, dogs, and friends.
TJ Morrison
Olathe, Kansas
Olathe Northwest High School
Applied engineering
TJ’s interest for engineering and leadership stems from his involvement in STEM and music. As the Chief Design Officer for FIRST Robotics Team 1710, he has honed his skills in videography, graphic design, and, most importantly, robotic design. Outside of robotics, TJ coaches elementary and middle school students by introducing them to robotics and engineering ideas. In addition to his STEM interests, TJ has served as the bass section leader in his school’s orchestra for three years. He is also an enthusiastic participant in his church’s youth group. TJ has also spent several summers and weekends working as a finish carpenter, specializing in kitchen restorations for Kitchen Tune-Up. TJ spends his limited leisure time listening to good music, thrifting, weightlifting, and watching Ryan Gosling movies.
Jocelynn Palacio
Andover, Kansas
Andover High School
Aerospace engineering
Jocelynn has decided to major in aircraft engineering. She first realized she wanted to be an engineer in elementary school. She has always been interested in math and science and enjoys being pushed. Jocelynn competes in Science Olympiad, having placed sixth in regionals and twice at state. She is currently enrolled in Butler Community College’s Early College Academy and will graduate in May 2024 with an associate’s degree in engineering studies. She enjoys traveling with her family and cat, playing games, and is now learning to play the guitar.
Karaline Scott
Goddard, Kansas
Goddard High School
Applied engineering
Karaline was inspired to pick the engineering program at her school by the incredible role models in her life. She enrolled in her first robotics program in middle school and took every course offered during her high school tenure. Her interest in math and science expanded as she experimented with several types of engineering design, including computer science, aerospace engineering, technology engineering, and mechanical engineering. Karaline’s involvement in school activities, including serving as an officer in Student Council, Science Club, National Honors Society, and the Kansas Association of Youth, fueled her interest in education. Karaline is also the Varsity Cheer Captain and Head Drum Major at her high school. She participates in her church’s youth group and has volunteered with the non-profit Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership for the past two years. Karaline is thrilled to begin the next chapter of her life at Wichita State University as an applied engineering major with a minor in leadership through the Honors College.
Angel Yanez
Goleta, California
Wichita Heights High School
Undecided engineering
Angel was born in California and has always been interested in engineering. He spent time learning how different objects functioned, including vehicles, planes, and pencils. It was intriguing to learn how everyday objects function. After moving to Wichita and finishing junior high, he enrolled at Heights High School. He was always interested in puzzles and strategic games, and he played chess and other video games while at Heights. In his junior year, he finished first in the American Math Competition for the entire school. He also enjoys working with his hands and is learning to weld at WSU Tech. He also appreciates cars and racing/simracing, particularly Formula One.
