Ten CPS Students Surprised With Full Ride Marian Spencer Scholarships on UC Decision Day

Ten Cincinnati Public Schools seniors experienced the surprise of a lifetime on the University of Cincinnati’s Decision Day. What began as a normal school day quickly turned into a celebration they’ll never forget, as each learned they had been selected as a Marian Spencer Scholar, receiving a full ride to UC covering tuition, books, room and board and a study abroad service trip to Tanzania, London or Peru. 

A bus full of UC and CPS spirit arrived with balloons, current Marian Spencer scholars, and new UC gear, bringing the full collegiate experience directly to eight schools as each student was surprised with their admission and scholarship. Families stood by for the big reveal to celebrate with their students. 

“These scholars are not only honoring Marian Spencer’s legacy, they are actively shaping the next chapter of it,” CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy said. “Their achievements reflect the very best of our District, and we are deeply grateful to UC’s partnership in creating life-changing opportunities for our students.”

The Marian Spencer Scholarship honors civil rights leader and UC alumna Marian Spencer, whose advocacy helped desegregate both Cincinnati Public Schools and Coney Island. This year's recipients carry her legacy forward through their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service. 

“Our partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools is an absolute model across the country. We partnered with the goal of making sure more students were college ready and were able to break down barriers,” Jack Miner, UC Vice Provost for Enrollment Management said. “We are seeing significant increases year over year in the percentage of CPS graduates who are going to college, especially UC, but more students within the District are taking college preparatory courses like College Credit Plus and taking advantage of opportunities to visit campus.”

Seven of the ten scholars have already taken UC courses through College Credit Plus.

The Marian Spencer Scholarship covers undergraduate tuition, housing and living expenses. Scholars will also join a living-learning community in Marian Spencer Hall, engage in service-learning opportunities and benefit from career coaching throughout their UC experience. 

Congratulations to the 2026 Class of Marian Spencer Scholars!

Nouhan Kaba – Aiken High School
Daiveion Greenwade – John J. Gilligan Digital Academy
Remy Roeper – School for Creative and Performing Arts
Margaret Daisy Hobbins – School for Creative and Performing Arts
Rodnell Taylor – Shroder High School
Lindsey Leary – Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students
Malak Eissa – Walnut Hills High School
Tvasta Gajjar – Walnut Hills High School
Fevita Reynoso-Aguilar – Withrow University High School
Maria Ambrocio-Diaz – Western Hills University High School