Crystal Simpson Memorial Scholarship (Dodge)

Scholarships

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Crystal Simpson, principal at Dodge Elementary School in Omaha, cared deeply about children, those who knew her said. “Crystal was extremely passionate about serving students,” said Lisa Utterback, executive director who oversees principals at Omaha Public Schools.

Simpson became the principal at Dodge, near 97th and Maple Streets, in 2012 and had been employed by the district since 2000. She had previously been the assistant principal at Standing Bear Elementary.

Simpson especially enjoyed introducing students to math, science and engineering, K.T. Simpson said.

“She was always positive and full of life,” Utterback said. “Crystal loved rocking her fresh Nike tennis shoes with a sharp suit,” was known to work late nights and helped Dodge Elementary earn recognition as a Gold Award Winning School last year, Utterback said.

The Crystal Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in Crystal’s name.

Purpose:

To provide financial assistance to a graduating Omaha Public Schools student in memory of Dodge Elementary School Principal Crystal Simpson who suddenly passed away in 2016. Mrs. Simpson was principal of Dodge Elementary from 2012-2016 and is fondly remember as a passionate and caring educator who loved all of her students. She created a positive climate where all who were around her knew they were valued and respected. Mrs. Simpson was a graduate of Omaha Burke High School and a proud OPS alum. Her legacy lives on!

Eligible Recipients:

All OPS High Schools

Selection Process:

  1. Student must have attended Dodge Elementary for a minimum of three years.
  2. Student must demonstrate leadership qualities, be a self-motivator, and show they have participated in community service activities by submitting a one-page essay on why they are applying for the scholarship and what they plan to study in college.
  3. Student must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
  4. Student must show commitment to post-secondary education.
  5. Student must submit a high school transcript.

Amount:

$1,000.00 

Final selection:

Recipient will be chosen by the family of Mrs. Simpson.The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor.

Administered by:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

 

Damon D. & Mary E. Laaker Scholarship

Scholarships

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Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for an OPS senior from North, Central or South High Schools to a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and compassion for others.

Eligible Schools:

North, Central or South High Schools

Selection Criteria:

  1. Character/Citizenship
  2. Minimum GPA 2.75/Self-motivated
  3. Submit Financial Aid Form
  4. Submit student’s transcript
  5. Submit a short essay (250-500 words) “How I plan to use my education to benefit society.”
  6. Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or administrator.

Selection Process:

Up to three students may be nominated by each school. Applications that have not strictly followed the guidelines will not be considered. The recipient will be chosen by sponsors of the scholarship. Sponsors may also wish to meet with recipient. The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt of proof of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor.

*Please note that the donors would like to see financial information as well as a letter of recommendation from the counselor or a teacher.

Amount:

$1000.00

Administered By:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

 

 

Daniel A. Rico Difference Maker Scholarship

Scholarships

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Purpose:

The Daniel A. Rico Difference Maker Scholarship Fund was established in 2020. As a graduate of Omaha Benson High School in 2012, Mr. Rico has dedicated his life to making the world a better place. He graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2017 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and minor(s) in Energy Science, and International Engineering. Mr. Rico is currently finishing a M.S. degree in Computer Science & Engineering with a minor in Natural Resource Sciences. Upon completion, Mr. Rico will look to pursue another graduate degree but this time in Nuclear Engineering. He then intends to apply this knowledge to solve some of the world’s greatest problems via research and develop of novel solutions.

Eligible Schools:

Benson High School

Selection Criteria:

The expectations for a recipient of this scholarship are to perform well in their academic pursuits, and to apply their knowledge to make a positive difference
in the world.

Selection Process:

The recipient will be chosen based on academic performance and leadership throughout high school.Verification of your enrollment at the college or university of your choice should be sent to Omaha Public Schools Foundation. Payment will be made directly to the school upon receipt of this verification.

Amount:

$500 per semester, renewable for up to 5 years

Administered By:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Executive Director
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131

 

Davis Scholarship

Scholarships

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Alfonza W. Davis Middle School – SOAR ABOVE SCHOLARSHIP

Purpose: To provide a one-time scholarship assistance for no more than two Omaha Public School seniors that attended and earned their wings at Alfonza W. Davis Middle School.

Amount: $350.00 payable to an educational institution of recipient’s choice. Verification of enrollment should be sent directly to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation for payment directly to the educational institution.

Eligible Recipients: 2 graduating seniors from an Omaha Public High School who attended for at least one year and earned their wings at Alfonza W. Davis Middle School.

Selection Criteria:

  1. Student must submit the Davis Scholarship Application with all its requirements.
  2. Student must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
  3. Student must submit a current transcript.
  4. Student must submit a short essay (maximum 3 paragraphs). Essay is to focus on one of the Six Soar Above – Tuskegee Pillars. Student should focus essay on how one of the six pillars played a role in his/her education preparation and his/her future college endeavors. Aim High, Be Ready To Go, Expect To Win, Use Your Brain, Never Quit, Believe In Yourself.

Selection Procedure: Final recipients will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the Alfonza W Davis Middle School.

Verification of your enrollment at the college or university of your choice and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor should be sent to Omaha Public Schools Foundation, 3861 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68131. The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt.

Administered By: Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Field Club Elementary School PTA Scholarship

Scholarships

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Purpose:

To provide financial assistance for deserving, graduating Omaha Public Schools senior who attended Field Club Elementary School.

Eligible Recipients:

Two graduating seniors from an Omaha Public High School who attended Field Club Elementary School for a minimum of three years.

Selection Criteria:

  1. Student must submit the PTA Common Scholarship Application with all of its requirements.
  2. Student must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
  3. Student must submit a current transcript.
  4. Student will state which years he/she attended Field Club Elementary School.

Selection Process:

Final recipients will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the PTA and the principal of Field Club School.

Amount:

$500 payable to the institution chosen by the recipient. Verification of enrollment and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor/s should be sent to the Omaha Schools Foundation for payment directly to the institution.

Toba Cohen-Dinning, Executive Director
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131

Administered By:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation

First National Technology Solutions Scholarship

Scholarships

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First National Technology Solutions Scholarship

Purpose: 

To assist young women entering fields related to Information Technology with tuition expenses.

Eligible Schools:

Omaha Benson, Omaha Bryan, Omaha North High Schools and Omaha South High Schools

Eligible Recipient:

Graduating OPS senior from one of the designated schools who will be pursuing a college degree in the field of (or related to) Information Technology.

Amount:

$ 500.00 upon verification of enrollment from an accredited institution

Selection of Recipients:

First National Technology Solutions Committee

Selection Criteria:

  1. Candidates must submit a completed application using the link below.
  2. Candidate must provide a 500-word essay entitled “The Impact I Hope to Make in the Field of Information Technology.”
  3. Candidate must identify as a Female.
  4. Candidate must include their high school transcripts.

Administered By:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation
3861 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE  68131
402-502-3032

Donate to the FNTS Scholarship Here