Scholarship Funds

Established in 2018 the Dave Dierker scholarship fund recognizes two deserving CPS Scholar-Athletes for their excellence in the community, in the classroom and on their respective field of play. This scholarship awards one male and one female graduating senior each $2,000 and a brand new laptop for their future endeavors at an institute of higher education. 

This scholarship is a reminder of Dave Dierkers commitment to the positive development and growth of Cincinnati Public Schools scholar-athletes and many of the opportunities and initiatives that are offered in CPS. 

Donate to the Dave Dierker Scholarship Fund

This year’s recipients of the Dave Dierker Scholarship are:

Rodnora Jones, cross country, basketball, track, and volleyball player from Gamble Montessori High School
Jon Lumpkin, Basketball player from Hughes STEM High School

Their hard work and dedication to both athletics and academics have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

Alton Chris Nelms graduated from Taft High School and served the district for 25 years as a teacher, prevention specialist, head baseball coach and athletic director. Mr Nelms served on the Cincinnati Board of Education since 2007 and had been a tireless advocate for students and families. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and played for the team’s farm system. He helped establish the Cincinnati Reds RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program, a Major League Baseball initiative designed to promote the game of baseball to teenage boys and girls in disadvantaged areas while providing them with positive life lessons. This scholarship, in honor of Chris Nelms, will be awarded to two graduating CPS student-athletes. One male baseball student-athlete, and one female softball student-athlete entering into an institute of higher education will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to go towards their college funding. We are so grateful for Chris Nelms, the Nelms family, and the Cincinnati Reds for their ongoing support of Cincinnati Public School Student-Athletes.

Donate to the Chris Nelms Scholarship Fund