Inaugural class of Marian Spencer Scholars announced

Jalen Tucker (Shroder High School) believes success can be accomplished with hard work, passion and determination — in the classroom and on the field. When he’s not playing football or baseball, he’s volunteering at a local recreation center. Described as an impactful leader in his community, Tucker hopes to incorporate biology and information technology in a career.

Brooke Bartholomew (Clark Montessori) is described as being caring and determined. She values inclusivity, “celebrating the unique voices of all to create a stronger and more united whole.” She says losing her father at a young age instilled in her an independent spirit and passion for mental health.

Maxwell Lawson (Spencer Educational Center) is already familiar with UC, as a participant in the Law and Leadership Institute at UC’s College of Law, a program for high school students. He maintains a 4.47 GPA while working part time and volunteering at a local recreation center. Lawson is interested in finance, particularly helping to give others opportunities in that field.

Ke’Ayra Rogers (Aiken High School) has always set high expectations for herself, excelling academically and in the arts — she’s involved in theater, drawing and band. Top of her class, Rogers aspires to become an English teacher to help students like herself and give voice to those that are unheard.

Muslim Khzir (Gilbert A. Dater High School) truly values learning about different cultures. Born in Erbil, a city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Khzir moved to Ohio in 2016 and embraced his new surroundings. Described as charismatic and driven, Khzir plans to pursue a degree in computer science.

Jaden Jefferson (Western Hills High School) is described as “infectiously positive.” The student-athlete is passionate about helping others, regularly volunteering at a youth basketball camp and local food pantry. Not only does he exemplify the spirit of Spencer, but he actually worked on a mural of her in Cincinnati’s South Avondale neighborhood.

Julia Berman (Walnut Hills High School) says she embodies the spirit of Spencer by being unafraid to pursue her dreams. For Berman, that includes service, advocacy and social justice. She has led service learning programs, efforts to strengthen communications between her high school and parents, and anti-racism committee and outreach. 

Sarah Opoku (School for Creative and Performing Arts) believes trying new things and embracing uncomfortable situations is the key to growth. Her desire for everyone to feel welcome and safe at school echoes Spencer’s legacy of the pursuit of racial equality. She plans to explore many different areas of study, including science and math.

Two additional students, Marcus Elliott (Oyler School) and Benya Coleman (Hughes STEM High School) round out the inaugural class of 10 Marian Spencer Scholars. They were surprised with admission and the scholarship on Decision Day. Read more about them.

“In each of these pictures, you can see the pride on the faces of the family, the teachers, school administrators, coaches and classmates,” says Jack Miner. “This has been a chance to show these students, and really all of our future Bearcats, that the whole Cincinnati community is proud of them and rooting for them.”

Featured image at top: Jack Miner surprises Jalen Tucker at Shroder High School. Photos/Joseph Fuqua II