Anahi Gonzalez, a 2025 graduate from Wichita South High School, cried tears of joy when she learned she had been awarded the prestigious St. Newman Scholarship from Newman University.
“I cried so much,” Gonzalez said, recalling the moment she received the news. “The first thing I did was tell my parents, still crying. I emailed my college and career counselor, and of course my AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher, who’s been the biggest support for me.”
The St. Newman Scholarship, one of the university’s top academic honors, is awarded to only five incoming students at Newman each year. It recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to faith and service — all qualities Gonzalez has exemplified throughout her high school career.
From ESOL student to future educator
As a proud Mexican-American and first-generation college student, Gonzalez said her Catholic faith played a significant role in her decision to apply to Newman University.
“I wanted to apply to Newman because of its Catholic roots, and that was very important to me — to be able to grow in my faith,” she said.
At Newman, Gonzalez plans to major in elementary education with a minor in Spanish. Her ultimate goal is to become a bilingual teacher for elementary students, specifically for third or fifth grade. She also hopes to provide the same kind of support that once helped her overcome language barriers as an ESOL student.
“I didn’t have academic support from my parents being a first-generation student, but I want my students to know they can achieve anything they put their mind to,” Gonzalez wrote in her scholarship essay. “I want to be that teacher for my students — especially my Hispanic and ESOL students — so they know they can achieve their dreams too.”
Gonzalez’s passion for education has already earned her accolades. In 2024, she faced her fear of public speaking and placed first at a regional Educators Rising Conference. She then advanced to the state competition, where she placed with a high enough score to compete at the national level.
“I learned that sometimes, even when we have self-doubt, our abilities can surprise us,” she said. “I believe that through determination and perseverance, I can achieve anything I set out to do.”
The Newman Jet dream comes to life in August
Beyond the classroom, Gonzalez looks forward to getting involved in Newman’s campus life through student government and organizations like the Hispanic American Leadership Organization and the MultiCultural Leadership Organization.
“Being involved and meeting new people is very important to me,” she said. “I think it’ll make life on campus much better.”
Gonzalez described the scholarship as a life-changing gift for her and her family.
“It’s less of a financial burden,” she said. “My family is low-income, and I didn’t get any of the other scholarships I applied to. This is such a blessing. It’s no more stress — I was so stressed before.”
Now, with the support of the St. Newman Scholarship, Gonzalez is ready to begin her journey at Newman University in August. She hopes to deepen her faith, grow academically and ultimately inspire the next generation of students, beginning with her formative education.
“Go Jets,” she added with a smile.
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