Rising junior receives $5,000 Aspiring Educators scholarship

Above (L-R): Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro, OEA Assistant Executive Director Airica Clay, Holt’s father, Tony Holt Sr., Holt, CSU College of Education Interim Dean Dr. Lillian Drakeford, and Holt’s boyfriend, Donya Kendrick. 

Ten Marauders awarded scholarships to cover book costs

When Nicole Holt begins the 2024-25 academic year, she will have one less worry — how to pay for her college education — thanks to a $5,000 scholarship from the Ohio Education Association.  

On April 20, Holt and 10 other Marauders were awarded OEA scholarships through the Aspiring Educators program. The other students each received a $250 scholarship for books.  

OEA President Scott DiMauro, a high school social studies teacher, announced Holt, of Columbus, as the University’s top scholarship recipient during half-time at the 2024 Classic for Columbus All-Star college basketball game at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. 

“(The OEA is) the state’s largest labor union, representing nearly 120,000 public school teachers, higher ed faculty members, and education support professionals that make our schools safe, welcoming learning environments every day,” DiMauro said.

“But if we want to have the best public schools for all of our students, we need to make sure our education workforce is as beautifully diverse as all of the students we care so much about.” 

DiMauro said about 17% of the state’s public school students are Black, compared to less than 5% of educators.  

“It’s time to change that,” he said. “We must bring more educators of color into the profession and keep them in Ohio’s public schools, so we can create the best possible Ohio for all of us.”  

The OEA supports Aspiring Educators chapters on college campuses across Ohio, including the Central State University group, for which Holt serves as president. She is also chair of the College of Education’s Dean’s Roundtable, serves as an Honors College emissary and a resident advisor.  

Holt is majoring in Integrated English Education for grades 7-12. She is considering adding an English Literature major and a Psychology minor. In addition to the OEA scholarship, Holt received the $4,000 Central State University Honors College Scholarship and the Residents Advisory Room, Board, and Meal Plan Scholarship.  

“I want to add another major because I am setting the tone for my younger siblings and cousins as a first-generation college student,” Holt said. “If I do all that I can do in undergrad, then I would be setting a good example for all my family to come after me.” 

DiMauro said the OEA works to remove financial barriers that could “prevent the next generation of great educators from entering this profession — great educators like Nicole Holt." 

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In her application, Holt said she is pursuing a degree in education “to change the lives of each student I come across.” 

“I believe students deserve a caring and positive learning environment and I am determined to create one,” she said. “I want to inspire students ... and break barriers of close-minded opinions and immovable obstacles. Teaching middle/high school will allow me to shape the minds of students who may have strayed from their true selves as students. ... I also feel that I am a compassionate and understanding individual who can make a deep impact on my future students.” 

Holt said public education is crucial because many families and students depend on it as a way out of poverty and a path toward higher education and fulfilling careers. “Also, in public schools, students grow up with their peers and teachers and they learn a lot about themselves, their learning styles, and life preferences during their time in public education,” she said.  

Holt decided to pursue a career in education during her freshman year of high school. After transferring districts, Holt, who enjoys reading and writing essays, became a mentor to her peers. Later, she chose Central State University, describing it as the “perfect choice” because it is close to home, affordable, and a Historically Black University.  

“I began to understand during (high school) that I wanted to help students learn and also feel seen,” she said.

“I wanted to become the representation of what a young Black woman could accomplish and show others in my community that being a teacher is a worthy job.”  

After graduation, Holt plans to pursue a master’s degree at The Ohio State University and then teach high school English in ninth and 10th grades.  

“I would just like to thank my dad for raising me to understand the importance of helping others and being the best I can be as well as encouraging me to go for every opportunity available, including this scholarship,” Holt said.  

In addition to Holt, the recipients included the following:  

• Anna Puthoff  

• Tyliah Finley  

• Siala Ene  

• R’Eion Featherstone  

• William Duerson  

• Breanne Lovelace  

• Cayla Howard  

• Nyasha Craig  

• Amanda Wynn  

• Betina Szakal