CINCINNATI — It’s the time of the year when high school students are applying for scholarships as they look to fund their college education, and one lucky high school student in southwest Ohio was surprised with a special scholarship she recently earned. 

On Feb. 1, Ke’Ayra Rogers, a senior student at Aiken High School, was surprised with the Marian Spencer Scholarship, named after Marian Spencer who was a politician and first Black woman elected to Cincinnati City Council.

Rogers is one of 10 scholars who will receive a full scholarship that covers room and board, a study-abroad trip to Tanzania and much more.

It’s awarded to students who are among the top 10% of their class.

Rogers said she was shocked, but is very excited to begin her collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati 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.” 

The scholarship is made possible through a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools. Two more CPS students were surprised with a scholarship that will continue for the next four years as they look to award 30 more students.