Crystal Simpson Memorial Scholarship (Dodge)

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

 

Davis Scholarship

Alfonza W. Davis Middle School – SOAR ABOVE SCHOLARSHIP

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:

  1. Student must submit the Davis Scholarship Application with all its requirements.
  2. Student must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
  3. Student must submit a current transcript.
  4. Student must submit a short essay (maximum 3 paragraphs). Essay is to focus on one of the Six Soar Above – Tuskegee Pillars. Student should focus essay on how one of the six pillars played a role in his/her education preparation and his/her future college endeavors. Aim High, Be Ready To Go, Expect To Win, Use Your Brain, Never Quit, Believe In Yourself.

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

Future Educator’s Scholarship

The Future Educator Scholarship

One graduating senior from each of the seven Omaha Public High Schools will be awarded a scholarship.

Eligibility:

The senior must have plans to enroll for the summer or fall term as a full-time student in a post-secondary institution majoring in elementary or secondary education.

Amount: $3000.00

Requirements:

  1. Answer all information requested on the application and submit it online through the OPSF Scholarship Portal. Incomplete applications will not be accepted (includes signatures and scores).
  2. Request that ACT scores, a transcript of grades, including courses in progress, be attached to your application.
  3. Request that one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or administrator be forwarded with your application.
  4. Include a 75-100 word essay explaining why you are choosing teaching as a career.

Selection Process:

The scholarship recipients will be selected by the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Board. 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. The award will be forwarded to the recipient’s college of choice upon receipt.

Administered by:

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

Julia Chavez Family Scholarship

Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for one Hispanic Omaha South High School graduating senior for a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for volunteering in their community and helping others, and commitment to post-secondary education.

Amount:

$1,000

Selection Criteria:

  1. Character/Citizenship
  2. Minimum GPA 3.2
  3. Submit Financial Aid Form
  4. Submit student’s transcript and resume
  5. Submit a short essay (500 words): Describe a volunteer opportunity you have been involved in that demonstrates passion and willingness to serve your community and to help others.
  6. Submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher and/or administrator. May not include a family member.

Selection Process:

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 recipient’s college of choice upon receipt.

Administered by:

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

Marian Martinez Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:

To provide a scholarship for one Latino Omaha Public Schools graduating senior for a student who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion for volunteering in their community and helping others, and commitment to post-secondary education.

Amount:

$ 2500.00

Selection Criteria:

  1. Student displays character
  2. Student holds a minimum GPA 2.75
  3. Student submits his/her transcript and resume.
  4. Student submits a short essay (500 words) which describes student’s volunteer service experience and how it embodies the spirit of Marian Martinez and her legacy.
  5. Student submits a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or counselor.

Selection 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.

*Please note that the donors would like to see financial information.

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

Mick Messbarger Memorial Scholarship (Central)

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: