The four-year scholarship provides full tuition, books, fees and on-campus housing, and has opened the door for Llamas to earn a college education.
Llamas is described by his high school counselor as a student "who is genuinely nice and has a strong moral compass.鈥
A student leader
At Wichita Northwest, Llamas has remained academically successful while working part-time and engaging in school activities. He lettered and was Academic All American in
wrestling and captain of the freshmen and junior varsity football team. He serves as a youth group and song service leader at his church.
Llamas recalls a time in class when he was required to choose one object that could symbolize his life. He selected a light house.
When his teacher asked, 鈥淲hy a light house?鈥 he explained, 鈥淲ell, because I love to help others. During the day a light house is there, but has no real purpose. At night a light house truly is amazing. A light house shines at night and leads others when they are lost or struggling.鈥 He expressed his ability to lead, help and be there for others when they need someone to lean on.
Llamas looks forward to attending Wichita State in the fall and plans to major in athletic training.
Scholarship history
The Sexton Scholarship was established in 2000 to honor its namesake, Linwood Sexton.
Sexton, a Wichita State legend in football, is a member of the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame and Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. An untiring advocate for equal opportunity and social justice, he has been honored with many awards for his efforts in promoting understanding and respect among people of different racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Incoming freshman applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need. All students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to minority students.
The scholarship is automatically renewed as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. The application review process is completed by Sexton and staff representatives from Campus Life and University Relations, as well as faculty from the W. Frank Barton School of Business and the College of Education.
Each applicant is required to submit various scholarship materials, including a one-page essay on why he/she should be the recipient of the award.