Purpose:
To provide financial assistance to an OPS student who attended Field Club Elementary for at least 2 years and is an Omaha Public School Senior Graduate seeking post-secondary education, in memory of Braxton Kirksey .
Braxton Kirksey Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of a man who believed deeply in the power of education and the strength of human connection. Braxton was a dedicated head engineer at Field Club Elementary-Omaha Public Schools. In 2025, he found himself battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer that came out of nowhere. Braxton was a driven individual and cultivated meaningful relationships with colleagues and students, always leading with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the greater good. This scholarship fund will support students who embody his spirit—those who strive for excellence, uplift others, and work to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through this fund, his values live on, inspiring future generations to learn, lead, and serve.
Application Portal: https://opsf.eformsolutions.com/landing/sign-in
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Amount: 2-$500.00 / non-renewable
(OPTIONAL) Scholarship is renewable for a second year if the recipient has maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better. Undergraduate Transcripts must be sent to Toba Cohen-Dunning, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Executive Director, for verification.
Eligible School: Any OPS High School
Selection Criteria:
1. Applicant must have attended Field Club Elementary for a minimum of 2 full school years.
2. Applicant must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or >
3. Applicant must have post high school education plans in place either via a 2 or 4 year college or a trade school.
4. Applicant must complete a short essay addressing a challenging time in life and how they overcame this challenge or what they learned from it.
5. Applicant must complete a short essay describing future goals, how education will help achieve them, and how the scholarship will make a difference.
6. Applicant is to list any involvement in: extracurricular activities, school events, community service, and or work experience by providing a résumé.
7. Submit 2 letters of reference from a teacher or adult within the school community that addresses integrity, kindness, and respect for others, and how the student contributes positively to the school community.
Selection Process:
Selection will be made by the [SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION/COMMITTEE]. The award will be payable to the college or university of the recipient’s choice upon receipt of enrollment verification.
Recipient will be awarded at the school’s Honors Night in the Spring.
Administered By:
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
3861 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131
toba.cohendunning@ops.org
402.502.3032
