Skip to main content

Omaha Central Senior Awarded the ‘Maverick in the Making’ Scholarship

Amaya Thompson has her sights set on becoming a wildlife biologist and becoming living proof that no matter who you are and where you come from, you can pursue your passion.

  • published: 2021/01/11
  • contact: Sam Peshek - University Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Amaya Thompson

Amaya Thompson was selected as a "Maverick in the Making" - earning a $4,000 scholarship to attend UNO.

At a rapidly evolving time, few people know what the future holds. But one thing is for certain: Amaya Thompson will be herself, unapologetically.

Thompson, an Omaha Central High School senior and the latest recipient of the Maverick in the Making Scholarship, has her sights set on becoming a wildlife biologist and becoming living proof that no matter who you are and where you come from, you can pursue your passion.

“I want to figure out ways to help nature,” Thompson said. “My goal is to be an influence on people who are just like me. I hope to make my family proud and make others proud. There aren’t a lot of people who look like me who want to work with animals.”

Maverick in the Making recognizes high school seniors like Thompson who are making a difference in their communities by awarding a scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for $4,000.

Thompson’s mother, Sumiko Prince, said her daughter has a bright future at UNO.

“She’s always the first person to lend a helping hand and help out the next person, and she’s definitely going to be going to be dedicated to whatever studies that she chooses, she said.”

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.