David Daughton Memorial Scholarship

Jan 22, 2024 | Scholarships

Apply for the Scholarship Here

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

Omaha Public Schools Winter Guard

Dec 8, 2023 | PTO or School Fundraisers, Spotlight News

WinterGuard Logo

The Omaha Public Schools Winter Arts program looks to engage color guard students in all high schools through full year instead of just the summer and fall. By combining schools and resources, we are able to bring an activity to parts of the OPS community that historically have had little to no participation as well as creating a collaborative space for students to develop connections and relationships with their peers throughout the district.

We anticipate the cost of the season will range from $150 to $200 per student, which we do not ask them to pay out of pocket. Any little bit can help ensure that this activity can flourish within our community.

Donate to the Winter Guard
Purchase Merchandise

Show your support. Purchase merchandise. 15% of all proceeds benefit the Winter Arts.

Buena Vista Home School Partnership

Aug 16, 2022 | PTO or School Fundraisers

BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOLThe Buena Vista School Home Partnership (BVSHP)is the parent and family organization for Buena Vista High School.  This group supports the involvement of families in the educational experiences of their students at Buena Vista and includes four subcommittees:

  • School support
  • Parent education
  • Athletic boosters
  • Fine arts boosters

As families choose to donate to the BVSHP they can select one of the subcommittees to direct their funds, or the BVSHP as a whole.  Thank you for your support of Buena Vista High School!

Donate Here to the BVHSP

Carol Van Metre “Active in Making Lives Better”

Jan 17, 2018 | Scholarships

Apply for This Scholarship Here

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

Charles Bowman Scholarship

Jun 3, 2021 | Scholarships

Charles BowmanCharles Bowman was a lifelong educator, teaching mathematics and physics in the Omaha Public Schools for 34 years and at Metropolitan Community College for 12 years. He chaired the Math/Science Department at Bryan High School, wrote physics curriculum, led scholarship committees, and advocated for student learning throughout his career. He graduated from Peru State College (1968) and earned his Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois (1974). Chuck was raised in Plattsmouth, NE playing football in High School. He was an avid Huskers fan and fisherman, and enjoyed making wooden toys for his grandchildren. He has served the community in many ways through his leadership in Boy Scouts, YMCA coaching, and Church.

To apply for this scholarship, check with your school counselor.

Eligible Recipient:       

Graduating OPS Bryan student who will be pursuing a college degree in the field of (or related to) Math or Science.

Amount: 

$ 2000 upon verification of enrollment from an accredited institution (renewable for one year $1000)

Selection of Recipients:     

Bryan High Scholarship Committee

Selection Criteria:         

  1. Candidates must submit a completed application in the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Portal.
  2. Candidate must include their high school transcript.
  3. Candidate must hold a 2.0 GPA or higher
  4. The award will be based on financial need and lack of other financial aid sources.

Selection Process:

You will be notified before May 1st if you are chosen as the recipient by the selection committee. 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: The Omaha Public Schools Foundation

You may send Memorials to:

The Charles Bowman Scholarship
OPS Foundation
3861 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131

Use the link below to send an online donation.

Send a Memorial Donation to Support the Charles Bowman Scholarship

Crystal Simpson Memorial Scholarship (Dodge)

Jan 17, 2018 | Scholarships

Apply for the Scholarship Here

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