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.
Benson High School
$500 Award
The Omaha Public Schools Foundation
To provide a scholarship for an Omaha Public Schools graduating senior from Benson, Bryan and South High Schools to a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for volunteering in their community and helping others, and commitment to post-secondary education.
$2,000.00 each
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.
Administered By:
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Executive Director
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
By: March 1, 2022
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.
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!
All OPS High Schools
$1,000.00
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.
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
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.
North, Central or South High Schools
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.
$1000.00
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
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.
Benson High School
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.
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.
$500 per semester, renewable for up to 5 years
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Executive Director
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131
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:
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