The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas. Valued at $50,000, the scholarship is awarded annually to one student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for business.
The eight finalists emerged from a competitive pool of students who participated in the Allen, Gibbs, and Houlik (AGH) Scholarship Competition, held on November 21, 2025. This rigorous event tests candidates on their communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving through a series of group exercises, presentations, and interviews.
Finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship are:
- Luke Fouts, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (Goddard, KS) - Entrepreneurship
- Gabriel Howland, Campus High School (Wichita, KS) - Entrepreneurship
- Adeline Lank, Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School (Wichita, KS) - Entrepreneurship
- Samantha Owens, Bluestem High School (Leon, KS) - Business Administration
- Alyssa Pace, Belle Plaine Senior High School (Belle Plaine, KS) - Marketing
- Gabriel Shaffer, Valley Center High School (Valley Center, KS) - Business-Undecided
- Nathan Stigers, Shawnee Mission North High School (Shawnee, KS) - Accounting
- Zach Tschauder, Atchison High School (Atchison, KS) - Accounting
The finalist selected as the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will receive the $50,000 scholarship, which is among the largest undergraduate business awards in the state. The remaining seven finalists will each receive a $20,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements and potential, ensuring that all finalists benefit from the experience.
"The AGH Scholarship Competition brings together some of the brightest and most driven students across the country,” said Rani Somers, Recruitment Coordinator of the Barton School. This event allows us the opportunity to showcase the amazing services that we are able to provide to our business students at Wichita State University. Each of these finalists are incredibly accomplished and bright. We have enjoyed getting to know them all and we are excited to be a chapter in the story of their bright futures.”
The next stage of the competition is Friday, February 13th. The final selection for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholar will be announced in spring 2026. The chosen recipient will join an elite group of Barton Scholars whose legacy of success and service continues to shape Wichita State and the business community at large.
For more information about the Clay Barton Scholarship and the Barton School of Business, visit https://www.wichita.edu/business.