Park University Announces Competitive Academic Scholarship Winners for 2025

February 6, 2025 — Park University has announced the recipients of competitive academic scholarships for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. These scholarships, which totals $1.65 million, have been awarded to current high school seniors who are expected to enroll at Park starting with the Fall 2025 semester.

The most prestigious Park University academic scholarship given is the Presidential Honors Scholarship. This award, traditionally given to two incoming freshmen, covers full tuition, fees, and room and board for four years, as well as a $5,000 stipend for a study abroad experience. The award is valued at more than $117,000. The 2025 Presidential Honors Scholarship has been presented to:
          •  Jose Gonzalez (left), Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan.
          •  Claire Langer (right), Park Hill South High School, Riverside, Mo.

The McAfee Scholarship, also awarded to incoming freshmen, provides full tuition and fees for four years. The award is valued at $72,000. The McAfee Scholarship has been awarded to the following 14 students:
          •  Isabel Barnds, Academie Lafayette, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Noah Beck, Park Hill High School, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Sydnee Bruns, Tarkio (Mo.) High School
          •  Ava Chappel, Oak Park High School, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Jolie Conner, Kearney (Mo.) High School
          •  Josie Coppedge, Republic (Mo.) High School
          •  Lucie Heaton, Park Hill South High School, Riverside, Mo.
          •  Jace Hellbusch, Sunrise Mountain High School, Peoria, Ariz.
          •  Sylvia Payne, Ottawa (Kan.) High School
          •  Bryleigh Petty, Liberty (Mo.) North High School
          •  Jessica Roush, Belton (Mo.) High School
          •  Madisyn Sanborn, Park Hill South High School, Riverside, Mo.
          •  Alaina Thomas, Oak Park High School, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Vanessa Toney, Jonesboro (Ark.) High School

The Park Trustee Scholarship provides incoming freshmen with one-half of a year tuition (or one semester) for four years, and is valued at $34,000. This scholarship was awarded to the following 12 students:
          •  Kenna Barton, Liberty (Mo.) High School
          •  Emily Carter, Liberty (Mo.) North High School
          •  Dakota Day, Plattsburg (Mo.) High School
          •  Ada Gollnick, Plattsburg (Mo.) High School
          •  Joselyn Monzon Gomez, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Maria Harden, Park Hill South High School, Riverside, Mo.
          •  Mackenzie Keller, Norristown (Pa.) Area High School
          •  Matthew Lallana, Park Hill High School, Kansas City, Mo.
          •  Kaitlyn Lavery, Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North High School
          •  Tristan McManus, Park Hill South High School, Riverside, Mo.
          •  Agustin Medina, Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, Kan.
          •  Lillian Welch, Winnetonka High School, Kansas City, Mo.

“Park University believes in making a world-class education accessible and that belief shines through the life-changing opportunities these scholarships provide,” said Shane Smeed, president. I am proud to welcome these talented individuals to the Park University family. Their achievements, character and potential set them apart, and our University community is prepared to support them as these students take the next step in their educational journey.”

For more information about these scholarships, visit park.edu/academics/honors-academy/scholarships.