David Daughton Memorial Scholarship

Jan 22, 2024 | Scholarships

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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:

  1. Student must have participated in the ESL program at Burke High School
  2. Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
  3. Student shall be academically able to succeed in college
  4. Student must be pursuing further education at an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university
  5. 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
  6. 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.

Administered By: The Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Carol Van Metre “Active in Making Lives Better”

Jan 17, 2018 | Scholarships

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Carol Van Metre contributed in a big way: She was involved in fundraising for more than $35 million in sports-related projects, most aimed at giving inner-city kids a stronger foothold on the field and in life. She was a champion of the children and families of the Omaha Public Schools and neighboring communities.

In honor of Carol’s contributions, a Scholarship Fund has been created in her honor. Donations can be made online through the Omaha Schools Foundation secure payment gateway. Please designate “The Carol Van Metre Scholarship” when donating.

Carol Van Metre Scholarship Fund

Purpose:          To provide financial assistance to a student seeking post-secondary education in the memory of Mrs. Carol Van Metre, a strong advocate for quality education and supporter of Omaha South High School.  Carol and her husband Dave have worked tirelessly over the years to level the playing field for OPS students with their suburban counterparts, ensuring the highest quality facilities and enrichment east of 72nd Street. Carol was a beloved teacher in the Denver Public Schools for many years and it was always an important part of her life to support education.

Eligible School:            Omaha South High School

Selection Criteria:

  1. Recipient must demonstrate financial need;
  2. Recipient must have shown good citizenship and participated in extra- curricular activities throughout high school;
  3. Preference will be given to students pursuing a career in Education;
  4. Recipient must intend to pursue a 4-year post-secondary education at an accredited institution; and
  5. Student should present two letters of recommendation from faculty (no relatives of the student will be accepted).

Selection Process:          

Selection will be made by the South High School Principal and the school’s scholarship committee, with input from the counseling department.  Amount will be payable to the college or university upon the Omaha Schools Foundation’s receipt of verification of enrollment from the institution chosen by the recipient. A “Thank You” note to the donor is required and can also be sent to the Foundation.

Amount:          $2,000.00

Administered By: Omaha Public Schools Foundation

Crystal Simpson Memorial Scholarship (Dodge)

Jan 17, 2018 | 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

 

Mick Messbarger Memorial Scholarship (Central)

Jan 16, 2018 | Scholarships

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Purpose:

The purpose of this memorial is to provide a scholarship for an OPS graduating senior from Central High School who has participated in the Central Legion Baseball Program. This scholarship is in memory of Mick Messbarger who was a dedicated coach for the Memorial Park Baseball Little League and someone who loved baseball stats, trivia and most of all the game of baseball.  (Particularly the Texas Rangers!)

Amount: $750.00

Selection Criteria:

  1. Student must have participated a minimum of three years in the Central Baseball Program.
  2. Demonstrate Character/Citizenship
  3. Minimum GPA 3.0/Self-motivated
  4. Submit Financial Aid Form
  5. Submit student’s transcript
  6. Submit a short essay (500 words) “How I plan to use my education to benefit society.”
  7. Submit a letter of recommendation from the baseball coach, teacher and/or administrator.

Selection Process:

Students will be nominated by the Central High Scholarship Committee.  Preference will be given to players who participated in the Memorial Park Little League Baseball Program. The recipient will be chosen by sponsors of the scholarship.  *Please note that the donors would like to see financial information as well as a letter of recommendation from the coach, counselor or a teacher.

Should you be selected for this award, please send verification of your enrollment at the college or university of your choice and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor to Omaha Public Schools Foundation. The award will be forwarded to the college of choice upon receipt.

Administered by:

Omaha Puublic Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen-Dunning
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131
Email: 

The Milton “Milt” Lorenz Memorial Scholarship

Aug 23, 2021 | Scholarships

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Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for a graduating Benson High Magnet senior in memory of Milton Lorenz.  Mr. Lorenz was a teacher at Benson for 37 years and passed away on September 16, 2014.  He was a beloved math teacher for many years and at the point of his retirement was serving as the Director of Guidance for the School.  He loved being a teacher at Benson High and took great pride in his profession, the students and the school.

Amount:

$1000.00 payable to an accredited 4-year college or university.   Verification of enrollment should be sent to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, 3861 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE  68131 for the check to be disbursed to the institution.

Eligible Recipients:

One graduating senior from Benson High School who is pursuing a degree in Math and/or Science

Selection Criteria:

  1. Academic achievement
  2. Citizenship/character
  3. Commitment to post-secondary education in the fields of Math and/or Science with the intention of becoming an educator.
  4. Financial need

Selection Process:

Benson High School will send a recommendation to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation. Should you be selected for this award, please send verification of your enrollment at the college or university of your choice and a “Thank You” note directed to the donor to Omaha Public Schools Foundation. The award will be forwarded to the college of choice upon receipt.

Administered by:

The Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Toba Cohen Dunning
3861 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE 68131
402.502.3032

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).