United Way of the Plains Announces Fall 2025 Scholarship Recipients

WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 11, 2025 – United Way of the Plains has announced the fall 2025 recipients of the Aaron Joel Smith Memorial Youth Volunteer Scholarship, which honor outstanding high school students who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism. Three students from south-central Kansas are awarded scholarships of $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 to support their continuing education.

The following recipients each completed more than 200 hours of volunteer service and a demonstrated commitment to serving their community:

• $25,000 Scholarship: Annabella Shannon, Wichita East High School
• $15,000 Scholarship: Lauren Wise, Maize South High School
• $10,000 Scholarship: Hunter Steele Heckart, Mulvane High School

These memorial scholarships honor Aaron Joel Smith, a Northeast Magnet High School student who, along with three classmates, tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1991. Smith was an active volunteer and a student coordinator for United Way’s fundraising efforts. Since 1992, these awards have celebrated his legacy by recognizing youth volunteers who share his dedication to community service.

The application for the next scholarship cycle opens in the fall of 2026.

To learn more, visit unitedwayplains.org/scholarship.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.