A flood of emotions engulfed senior Jayden Island when they heard they won the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship from Wichita State, a flood of emotions came over them.

Island was one of three people – out of 500 competitors – who received a $64,000 scholarship. There were 14 finalists.

“I’m extremely grateful for the selection committee choosing me to be a representative at WSU,” Island said. “And to the Gore family for donating to our academic success.” 

The year ahead at WSU has already been planned out by Island. 

“I plan on joining the first-year research experience program and furthering my research studies at the biological sciences department,” they said. “I am also getting my minor in philosophy.”

As far as high school, though, Island has achieved so much.

“I think my academic success over my years at DHS are a contributing factor (to winning the scholarship),” they said. “I’ve also been involved in a lot of extracurricular activities and had a lot of successes in international competitions, like (Health Occupations Students of America) and the National Speech and Debate Association.”

On top of that, Island temporarily led the National Honor Society during a sponsor change, and sees their selfless actions on top of their academic success as a chance to further themself as a person.