On Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, members of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University visited Belle Plaine High School to surprise senior Alyssa Pace with the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship. The $50,000 award is one of the largest business scholarships in Kansas and will cover four years of tuition support at Wichita State.
Pace, who will be a first-generation college student, earned the scholarship after advancing through the highly competitive Allen, Gibbs and Houlik Scholarship Competition. She was previously named one of eight finalists for the prestigious award. The remaining seven finalists will each receive $20,000 scholarships in recognition of their achievements.
“I was completely surprised,” Pace said after receiving the news. “This scholarship means everything. I know it sounds cliché but this is truly life changing for myself and my family. This scholarship will give me the ability to live on campus and fully immerse myself in student life and all of the opportunities that accompany a degree at Wichita State.”
Pace plans to major in marketing when she begins classes at Wichita State in fall 2026. The AGH Scholarship Competition evaluates students through speeches, interviews and group exercises designed to assess academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to service.
“We are so excited for Alyssa to join us in the Barton School as our 2026 Clay Barton Scholar,” said Rani Somers, Recruitment Coordinator for the Barton School and organizer of the AGH Scholarship competition. “She is incredibly bright, driven and enthusiastic. We know that she is going to take advantage of all the opportunities this campus has to offer. We are proud and honored to be part of the next chapter of her story.”
As a first-generation student, Pace’s achievement marks a significant milestone for her and her family. The Clay Barton Scholarship will allow her to pursue her degree with greater financial freedom while fully engaging in leadership programs, internships and applied learning opportunities within the Barton School.
At Belle Plaine High School, Pace has been involved in a plethora of activities within her community, including but not limited to yearbook, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honors Society (NHS), Volleyball, Softball, Cheer and Student Council. Her accomplishments inside and outside the classroom distinguished her during the competitive selection process.
“We look for students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also character, leadership and a clear vision for their future,” said Zachary Brown, director of strategic enrollment and student services and a judge for the competition. “Alyssa stood out for her presentation and exceptional attitude. We are confident she will make a lasting impact at the Barton School and beyond.”
The Clay Barton Scholarship was established in 1991 by the late Rent-A-Center co-founder W. Frank Barton in honor of his son, Clay Barton. Clay Barton died from cancer in 1988 at the age of 20. While the scholarship does not replace Clay’s presence, it serves as a powerful legacy rooted in leadership, integrity and service.
Barton Scholars are expected to be the best of the best, excelling in academics, leadership and service while building a foundation that creates lasting value in their communities and professions.
For more information about the Barton School, visit www.wichita.edu/barton.