Spectrum News: Cincinnati high school student surprised with full-ride scholarship honoring former council member
Ten high school students from Cincinnati Public Schools were the first to be honored with the University of Cincinnati's new Marian Spencer Scholarship, which includes full tuition, room and board in Marian Spencer Hall, a service trip to Tanzania and many more opportunities.
Spectrum News followed along as university officials surprised recipient Ke’Ayra Rogers at Aiken High School.
Rogers said she was shocked, but is very excited to begin her collegiate career at the UC in the fall.
“School is definitely one of those things that I hold near and dear to my heart," said Rogers. "So being able to get the opportunity to go to school with a full ride, at that, it means a lot to me and it helps me to know that if I can do it, then anybody can.”
Read the full story from Spectrum News.
Learn more about the Marian Spencer Scholars.
Featured image at top: Ke'Ayra Rogers' surprise included the school's marching band. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
Related Stories
'My health is priceless'
April 7, 2026
Weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are changing more than waistlines — they're quietly transforming how people spend money, what they prioritize and who can afford better health. As Local 12/WKRC-TV recently reported, for some patients, the medications are life-changing. For others, the cost can be overwhelming.
Alex Apyan: Get to know the UC Bearcat turned Orion program team member
April 7, 2026
For UC grad Alex Apyan, his time as a student-athlete on the Bearcats’ football team has only been a precursor to a successful career that currently has him as an integral part of the Mission Planning and Analysis team with the Orion Program. A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and graduate of UC's aerospace engineering program, Apyan was a long snapper for the Bearcats from 2007-11. Now, he has an important role in the multi-purpose crew vehicle used in NASA’s Artemis program, helping the first crewed flight launch last week.
Students prefer AI chatbots, until they know it is one
April 7, 2026
A University of Cincinnati College of Nursing pilot study found that Doctor of Nursing Practice students preferred AI chatbot responses over human answers — until they suspected the source was a chatbot, revealing trust issues in higher education advising.