Lakshmishree Sivakumar, a dedicated student from Wichita East High School, has been selected as one of 12 finalists for the highly competitive $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional students who exhibit both academic excellence and a strong commitment to leadership and community service. Sivakumar’s selection is a testament to her hard work and the impact she’s made in her community.
The Gore Scholarship, offered by Wichita State University, provides $64,000 to three students each year. To qualify, students must meet rigorous academic standards, including a high GPA, top ACT scores, and an outstanding level of involvement in extracurricular activities. Sivakumar, alongside 11 other finalists, went through a highly selective process, which included essay submissions, leadership assessments, and an on-campus competition. Her academic profile stands out, with an impressive ACT score of 27 and a GPA of 3.88, placing her among the brightest students in her class.
Sivakumar’s academic achievements are complemented by her commitment to social change. She is the founder and CEO of No Plate Left Empty, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity in Kansas. Through her leadership, the organization has made significant strides in addressing hunger within the community. Additionally, she founded the Mayura School of Dance, which focuses on teaching Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance form, to young Indian-American girls. Through these ventures, Sivakumar has proven that she is not just a scholar, but also a changemaker who is using her talents and resources to make a positive impact on society.
In the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational, where Sivakumar was chosen as a finalist, more than 550 students participated in November 2024. The finalists, including Sivakumar, were selected based on their academic performance, leadership potential, and community involvement. The final round of interviews, which took place in January 2025, provided an opportunity for the students to further demonstrate their leadership skills and vision for the future.
The Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Harry Gore, a respected community leader and advocate for education. This prestigious scholarship program has been instrumental in supporting young leaders who are committed to making a difference in their communities. The finalists will receive scholarship packages to attend Wichita State University in the Fall of 2025.
Sivakumar’s journey is an inspiration to many students striving for excellence in academics, leadership, and service. Her story reflects the power of determination, empathy, and hard work. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Sivakumar embodies the spirit of the Gore Scholarship and its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.
The winners of the 2025 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship will be announced on January 31, 2025, at the Marcus Welcome Center. Regardless of the outcome, Sivakumar’s achievements already reflect a bright future ahead.