Washburn awards scholarships to the 2024 Fiesta Topeka Royalty; Earns important status as emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)

    Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University continues its commitment to the local Hispanic community by awarding scholarships to the king and queen of 2024 Fiesta Topeka. Washburn President JuliAnn Mazachek will present the awards at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 in Morgan Hall, outside of Suite 200.

    The Fiesta Topeka King and Queen are crowned during the annual July festival, which is a five-day celebration of Mexican culture and a fundraiser for Holy Family School. The king and queen earn the crown by raising the most money among Fiesta royalty candidates.

    Gabriela Reyna Gutierrez Flores, a 16-year-old student at Topeka High School, is the 2024 Fiesta Topeka Queen. She volunteers at Stormont Vail Health to explore her passion for the medical field. This scholarship to Washburn University will help her pursue a degree in nursing and ultimately achieve her dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.

    Esteban Tetuan is the 2024 Fiesta Topeka King. A graduate of Topeka West High School, Tetuan currently works at the Target Distribution Center in Topeka. He plans to use his scholarship to Washburn University to pursue a career in radiology to further serve his community and improve the lives of those around him.

    “Washburn recognizes the importance of this community tradition and the dedicated individuals who continue to make it happen,” said Mazachek. “Through sponsorships and scholarship opportunities, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to the Hispanic community and continue to grow the number of Hispanic students on our campuses.”

    Earlier this fall, Washburn earned the designation of Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) meaning more than 15% of the student body identifies as Hispanic. Through this designation, Washburn is eligible for additional resources to strengthen programs, facilities and services that expand opportunities for Hispanic and underserved student populations.

    “Fiesta Topeka greatly appreciates the partnership with Washburn University,” said Deborah Ortega, Fiesta Topeka. “The scholarships that Washburn provides to the Fiesta Topeka King and Queen not only offer an incentive to the young men and woman who work hard to achieve these positions, but it opens a door to them to achieve a degree.”

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