.jpg)
Impact Story: Carl D. Smallwood Inclusion Scholarship | 2025
- Upper Arlington Education Foundation
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
Friday, May 9, 2025 | Upper Arlington High School
On May 8, 2025, the Upper Arlington Education Foundation (UA+Ed) presented the second year of Carl D. Smallwood Inclusion Scholarships to Julia O. and Joey S., seniors graduating from Upper Arlington High School (UAHS). On May 9, 2025, Julia, Joey, their coaches, parents and members of their varsity soccer teams came together with soccer alumni in celebration of the scholarship.
"In the Upper Arlington Girls Soccer program, I worked for four years to cultivate an inclusive environment by being a reliable leader and showing respect to every player and goal I encountered. As an underclassman, I was fortunate to hold a leadership role, which helped me develop skills to lead during my junior and senior sessions. Several times, I was entrusted with leading off-season conditioning sessions when the coaches could not attend. I paced up to 20 teammates, and held them accountable by keeping track of their times and motivating them to push themselves." - Julia O.
"I’m proud that during my four years in the program, I had a remarkable record of leadership and achievement both on and off the field. I mentored dozens of players, led by example with my sportsmanship and accountability, and created a welcoming and supportive environment for all players." - Joey S.
Scholarship Overview
The Carl D. Smallwood Inclusion Scholarship seeks to acknowledge and assist talented soccer players to pursue their post-high school dreams on and off the field. This award is meant to highlight the power of Upper Arlington’s academic excellence, friendship and bonds that are developed through athletics but also an investment in the future of these scholar-athletes, who are bound to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Selection Process
Graduating senior members of the girls' and boys' soccer teams are eligible for consideration. A committee comprising UAHS soccer alumni, coaches, and school representatives oversees the selection process.
Origin of the Scholarship
The scholarship pays homage to Carl D. Smallwood, UAHS '74, and former team captain and all-state center midfielder. Carl's leadership and camaraderie during his tenure inspired his teammates from the classes of 1973-1977, many of whom remain close friends to this day. Their collective generosity enabled the establishment of the scholarship fund in 2023, with ongoing contributions from friends, family, and the community helping to build the fund.
Carl Smallwood’s Journey Carl Smallwood's soccer journey began in Germany before relocating to Upper Arlington in 1971. Despite soccer being a club sport at the time, Carl's passion and talent led him to become a varsity player and tri-captain, earning recognition on the Coaches All-Ohio Soccer Team. His collegiate years at The Ohio State University saw him continue his soccer pursuits while achieving academic success at the Moritz College of Law.
Beyond the field, Carl's legal career has been marked by numerous achievements, including historic milestones such as becoming the first black president of the Columbus Bar Association. He is the Executive Director of the Divided Community Project at the Moritz College of Law. His dedication to empowering leadership among youth extended to founding initiatives like the Law and Leadership Institute, LLC.
Today, Carl and his wife, Connie, continue to proudly call Upper Arlington home, where they raised their two children, both graduates of UAHS
To help build this scholarship fund, please contact Alice Finley, UA+Ed Executive Director, Alice@UAEducationFoundation.com • 614-487-5007 ext. 1120 or visit THIS LINK to make a donation to this scholarship.
The Upper Arlington Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides access to meaningful opportunities for students that are beyond the budget of the Upper Arlington School District. Established in 1985, UA+Ed is permanently structured to fund programs and projects today and for generations to come. The Upper Arlington Alumni Association is an important part of the foundation and keeps graduates connected, engaged, and motivated to pay it forward.
