Christopher King Memorial Scholarship

Oct 30, 2021 | Scholarships

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Purpose:

Christopher King was a 1984 graduate of Benson High School. He was a beloved classmate and friend who was deeply involved in basketball, gymnastics, music and the arts.

Eligible Schools:

Benson High School

Selection:

  1. Must have participated in the Benson Design Academy and the music or arts programs.
  2. Must be pursuing a degree in a field related to the arts.

Amount:

$500 Award

Administered By:

The Omaha Public Schools Foundation

 

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Daniel A. Rico Difference Maker Scholarship

Aug 24, 2021 | 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

 

Ricki Getzschman Memorial Scholarship

Jan 18, 2018 | Scholarships

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Purpose:

To provide an annual (renewable) scholarship to a graduate of Benson High School in memory of Ricki Getzschman.

Eligible Schools:

Benson High School

Selection Criteria:

  1. The recipient shall have attended Benson High School for at least two years and be a graduating senior from Benson High School.
  2. The recipient shall have demonstrated academic excellence (GPA of at least 3.0) and true positive participation in school as well as in the community.

  3. Applicants shall submit their transcript along with a two page essay on the subject matter requested on page three of the required reading.

  4. Applicants shall provide two letters of reference, one of which must be from a teacher or administrator.
  5. This scholarship may be used for any field of study and may also be used for trade school or community college.

Amount:

One scholarship in the amount of $2500.00 shall be awarded annually payable to the college, university or trade school upon the Omaha Public Schools Foundation’s (OPSF) receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient.

In Addition:

This scholarship is renewable in the amount of $2500.00 for each of up to four succeeding years if the recipient meets the following criteria:

  1. Recipient maintains 3.0 GPA and is a student in good standing. Recipient must provide a transcript to OPSF by July 31st of each year.
  2. Recipient shall write a brief, informal letter to the Getzschman Family Scholarship Committee regarding how each year has progressed, struggles and/or successes, any interesting anecdotes, changes in goals, changes in perception of the world, etc. This letter is also due to OPSF by July 31st of each year.
  3. Said award shall be paid to the college, university or trade school as before.
  4. These criteria must be met in consecutive years. If, in any year, the recipient does not meet these criteria, the recipient is no longer eligible to renew this scholarship.

Selection of Recipients By:

The Getzschman Family and Selected Friends of the Family/Ricki.

Administered By:

Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF).

Troy Travis Memorial Scholarship

Jan 5, 2022 | Scholarships

Apply for the Scholarship Here

Purpose and Amount:

One $500 scholarship awarded to a student, to be applied towards books or tuition.

Selection Criteria:

  • Student must be a graduating senior from Omaha Benson Magnet.
  • Student must plan to attend college or technical school the semester following his or her high school graduation.
  • Student must have a minimum of 2.0 G.P.A or higher.
  • Student must have participated in at least one athletic program each year of their 4 years of High School.
  • Student should be able to produce two letters of reference: one from a teacher/staff member and one from a coach of the sport that student participated in. Examples should speak to coach ability, attitude, helping others out and being a role model or a leader.
  • Must have attended Benson all four years unless transferred in from another district.
  • Financial need will be a consideration.

Selection Process:

The family will make the selection. Once a selection is made, the recipient must send a Thank You note and proof of enrollment to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation.

Bruce Dale Memorial Fund

Aug 3, 2020 | Tributes and Memorials

Bruce Dale Memorial

Stewart Bruce Dale, 71, died peacefully in his sleep on July 27, 2020. He was born October 12, 1948 in Omaha, NE. He graduated from Benson High School in 1967 and attended Kearney State College.

Bruce served in the Marine Corps Reserves and was deployed to Vietnam in 1970 for 13 months. After completing his reserve obligations in 1976, he earned his education degree and began teaching special education with OPS. He earned two master’s degrees from UNO in special education and educational administration. He taught at several elementary schools and eventually moved to secondary at North High Magnet. There he taught special education, coached girls’ soccer, became Dean of Students and then became an assistant principal at Morton and King Science Magnet. 

Bruce’s sense of humor, commitment to students of all backgrounds, lover of all things outdoors, his beloved pets and Lisa made him the wonderful human being that he was. He will be missed.

A Memorial Fund has been established at the Omaha Public Schools Foundation. Friends and family wishing to contribute can use the secure payment gateway below.

* Donations are administered by The Omaha Public Schools Foundation which is a 501 (c) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and go directly to the intended fund, program, project or scholarship. No administrative fees are deducted from any donation.
Donate Here

Benson Bunny Den

Nov 2, 2020 | PTO or School Fundraisers

Benson Bunny Den

The Bunny Den was created to alleviate family stress by offering Benson students a safe and confidential place to receive items necessary to meet their basic needs.  We hope by fulfilling these needs students will be able to focus more on being successful in the classroom and being involved in school activities.

By donating, you are helping us provide students with basic non perishable food items, offer basic clothing and coats to students, and provide hygiene items for both males and females.

We also accept new and lightly used coats, hats and gloves in boys and girls sizes S-XL and men’s and women’s sizes S-XL. To donate these clothing items, please email Angela Johanek, Academy Specialist (Health, Business, & Design), Benson High Magnet Coordinator,  or call 531.299.8040, to arrange delivery or pick-up.

Thank you for considering a donation to allow us to continue our mission. You can donate by contributing using the online donation form or making out a check and sending to:

The Omaha Public Schools Foundation
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131

Attention: Benson Bunny Den

By donating you are helping us to fulfill our mission to enrich students’ lives by funding learning experiences that inspire hope, open doors and help students to achieve their dreams.

The Omaha Schools Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and go directly to the intended program, project or scholarship. Credit card transaction fees (2.2% + $.30) are deducted for each online donation; however, no additional OPSF administrative fees are deducted from any donation made online or by check.