Joyce Focht taught us a lot about public service. And about courage. She made many valuable contributions to the community and most importantly to education while struggling quietly and valiantly with multiple cancers and other life-threatening illnesses for nearly 20 year. She was dedicated to service in many areas of our community, but was most recognized for her contributions to education. She served as a member of the Wichita Board of Education, a teacher and an academic advisor at Wichita State University. She valued education very highly and believed that every person has the right to pursue their own educational objectives, regardless of background or circumstances. This scholarship is to honor that belief and to recognize others who find the possibilities in a life full of challenges.

The Joyce Focht Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior to apply to expenses of their first year of education after high school, including college, vocational or special education in an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the United States. Selection of recipients will be made without regard to race, color, sex religion or national origin. Nominees may not have a blood or marriage relationship to any administrative employee of USD 259 or to any member of the selection committee.

The selection criteria, in order of priority are:

• Perseverance in the face of great hardship
• Service to others above self
• Achievement - academic or otherwise

To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, students must:

• Be in their senior year of high school in the Wichita Public Schools.
• Have plans to further their education at an accredited institution after high school graduation.
• Submit a completed application (Sections I-V) and a letter of support by the deadline to:

Online Application