Brayden Hosman, a senior at Sterling High School, and Sandra Carlo, a senior at Maize High School, are this year’s two winners in the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship.

Both Hosman and Carlo will receive a $60,000 scholarship — $15,000 a year — which is one of the largest undergraduate awards in the state of Kansas. Runner-ups receive a  $52,000 scholarship each — $13,000 a year, over four years.

The scholarship does not place restrictions in studies or activities upon its recipients. However, it encourages personal growth and involvement in leadership positions.

Competing for the scholarship requires a minimum 24 on the ACT, and a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. This year, the 12 finalists held an average score of 30 on the ACT, and an average 3.82 GPA.

In previous years, Gore Scholars received $52,000 per year, but due to efforts by Bobby Gandu, director of Admissions, that amount increased to $60,000.

Hosman and Carlo were picked by eight former Gore Scholars: Libby Wilson, Caleb Smith, Amanda Johnson, Reegan Innes, Kevin Kraus, Derrick Holmes, Amy Lightfoot and Ryan Lee.

The scholarship has been awarded annually since 1954 to freshmen entering WSU who have displayed outstanding potential for leadership through their involvement.

Elizabeth King, president of the WSU Foundation, said it has become one of the most prestigious and coveted awards in the United States.

Hosman plans on studying international business and is considering a second major in marketing.

“I saw the opportunities waiting for me at WSU,” Hosman said. “It’s a great university that really puts the students first, I think. I really witnessed that and wanted to capture it for myself.”

Carlo plans on studying creative writing and women’s studies, with a minor in political science. She credits her scholarship on having a lot of faith in what she plans to study.

“It (WSU) felt more like home than other college campuses,” Carlo said. “I could feel when I was on campus that they really care about their students.”

Hosman and Carlo were two of the 12 finalists in the annual Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) competing for the Gore Scholarship. A total of 380 students were in the running.