Wright State University awards full-tuition scholarships to 12 students at Big Hoopla STEM Challenge

Wright State University awarded full in-state tuition scholarships to 12 area students during the Big Hoopla’s STEM Challenge on March 15 at the Nutter Center, celebrating young learners who demonstrated outstanding engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The scholarship recipients were also recognized before a national audience during halftime of an NCAA First Four game on March 18 at the University of Dayton Arena.

Scholarships were awarded to two basketball shootout winners in each of four grade divisions, with four additional recipients selected through a raffle drawing. To be eligible for a scholarship, students were required to complete at least 80% of the STEM passport, a series of hands-on activities and demonstrations offered throughout the event.

“At Wright State, we believe that supporting our region’s young people is an excellent investment in our region’s future,” said Wright State President Sue Edwards. “Our partnership with the Big Hoopla brings the excitement of discovery to students who may one day become the engineers, scientists and problem-solvers our community needs. By offering these scholarships, we are opening doors and providing hope, so every motivated student in our community knows a college education at Wright State is within their reach.”

The annual STEM Challenge drew more than 800 students in kindergarten through eighth grade to Wright State to take part in science shows and hands-on exhibits. Wright State’s partnership with the Big Hoopla introduces students to STEM concepts through engaging, interactive activities, while celebrating the community’s love of basketball.

For scholarship winners, a life-changing moment

For Brandie James, mother of fourth-grade winner Karter Wilson, the scholarship carried real financial weight.

“It means a lot that he’ll get a chance to go to college and we won’t have to stress and worry about how we’re going to pay for it,” she said.

James added that she also values the STEM component of the event.

“I think the STEM part of it is super important,” she said. “It’s good for kids to learn more about STEM and science. Basketball is the bonus part.”

Karter was already thinking ahead — his mother recalled that on the drive to the event, he told her he might not need to go away to college since he could stay close to home and attend Wright State.

Students hold full-tuition scholarship checks during halftime of an NCAA First Four game on March 18, where Wright State University and the Big Hoopla recognized the STEM Challenge winners.

Kristen Turner, whose fifth-grade daughter Kinsley won the girls’ basketball shootout, described the experience as incredible.

“I knew she could do it,” Kristen said. “Super appreciative for this opportunity.”

Kinsley, who plays on two youth basketball teams and is coached by her mother, had recently been to the Nutter Center to watch a high school girls’ Final Four tournament game just before the STEM Challenge.

“Just to be back in this atmosphere is awesome,” Kristen said.

Eighth-grader Lexi Kerns, who won her scholarship through the raffle drawing, said the moment caught her off guard.

“I was literally praying before I got drawn and I was just blown away when I got picked,” she said. “It’s such a relief and such a great opportunity. It leaves me really excited for college.”

The award had special meaning for Lexi’s family: her parents are Wright State graduates.

“This is an amazing opportunity for all students, especially in this area,” said Melissa Kerns, a 2006 graduate.

The STEM Challenge scholarships reflect Wright State’s ongoing commitment to broadening access to higher education and supporting the next generation of STEM talent in the Miami Valley.

2026 Big Hoopla STEM Challenge scholarship winners

STEM Passport Raffle Winners:

Aubrille Newsome, Flynn Paquay, Lexi Kerns and Karter Wilson

Hot shot basketball winners:

Grades K–2: Nelly Schmidt (boys) and Lorelei Duly (girls)

Grades 3–4: Kohen Sandland (boys) and Kaylani Hill (girls)

Grades 5–6: Brantley Hensley (boys) and Kinsley Turner (girls)

Grades 7–8: Griffin O’Leary (boys) and Alexandra Douglass (girls)