Background:
David Daughton grew up in Creston, Iowa and graduated from Creighton University. He taught elementary school at Conestoga Elementary in the late 1960’s through the National Teacher Corps. He then became a leading researcher in smoking cessation studies for 30 years at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Upon retirement, David worked as a paraprofessional for 12 years at Burke High School in the ESL department. He helped many students understand how to navigate high school curriculum, he worked tirelessly to write practice tests so students could master subjects, and supported many students through their journey moving to Omaha and pursuing a high school degree. He also helped students obtain scholarships to attend post-secondary education, and even helped them navigate some of their classes in post-secondary classes. He believed every person belonged, no matter their life circumstances prior to coming to the United States.
Purpose:
To provide a scholarship to a graduating Burke High School senior, who has participated in the Burke ESL program. The senior will be attending a 2-year or 4-year post-secondary program. This scholarship was created to honor David Daughton who found teaching ESL students at Burke one of his greatest pleasures and accomplishments.
Amount:
$1000.00 payable to the college or university upon the Foundation’s receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient.
Selection Criteria:
- Student must have participated in the ESL program at Burke High School
- Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Student shall be academically able to succeed in college
- Student must be pursuing further education at an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university
- Student must submit an essay (250-500 words) stating the impact the ESL program had on them and their reason for seeking post-secondary education
- Student must submit one recommendation letter from a teacher or coach
Selection Procedure:
Chosen by committee, including a member of the Daughton family/designee and a Burke High School ESL Program Director/designee.
Timeline:
The David Daughton Memorial Scholarship Committee will make the selection annually. Applications will be received through the Omaha Public Schools’ scholarship portal between November 1st and March 1st. Decisions will be made by April 1st.