Alumni Spotlight—Questions with IPS Alums: Scott Tarter Reveals How the District Shaped His Life
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) takes pride in our graduates' diverse, inspiring journeys. We’ve created the IPS Alumni Spotlight to celebrate our former students and highlight their experiences, achievements, and personal interests. We believe every graduate has a unique path, and we can all learn from their journeys.
Recently, IPS asked Scott Tarter, a 1980 John Marshall High School graduate, about his journey. After high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Today, Scott is an Indianapolis business lawyer and the CEO of both Lana Sports and the Dropping Dimes Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting former ABA players. He was a Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame nominee for charitable work with Dropping Dimes Foundation.
Scott is a member of the Indianapolis, Indiana State, and American Bar Associations.
Recognized for his professional excellence, Scott has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer (2007–2012), holds an AV® Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and was honored as Advocate of the Year by the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology in 1997.
He was inducted into the IPS Hall of Fame in 2023.
Q–How did your experiences at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) shape your educational foundation and career aspirations?
A–IPS prepared me for connecting with people of all backgrounds and experiences
Q–Can you share memorable moments or teachers who had a significant impact on your time at IPS?
A–Ms Roxie Holt was my favorite teacher
Q–How has your education at IPS influenced your personal and professional development since graduating?
A–Yes, by preparing me to relate to people of all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds
Q–What specific skills or knowledge gained at IPS have proven most valuable in your current life or career?
A–Giving me the preliminary tools to get to college and law school
Q–In what ways have you stayed connected with the IPS community, and what advice would you offer current IPS students for a successful future?
A–Not all that connected, but would be interested in connecting with IPS #93
Q–What challenges did you face during your time at IPS, and how did overcoming them contribute to your personal growth?
A– Working and going to high school was difficult but manageable. This led to growth.
Q–Have you been involved in any initiatives or projects to improve education or opportunities for current IPS students? If so, could you share your experiences and insights from those efforts?
A–Coached at the former IPS ”Pacers Drug-Free” basketball league at school #103