ASHLAND — Applications for the Harold B. Walker Scholarship are now available on the Ashland High School website, according to a community announcement.
The scholarship is open for applications for the 2025-26 academic year, according to the announcement. Eligible candidates must be graduates of Ashland High School and must have completed four semesters, or 50% of their post-secondary program.
The scholarship will support winners’ senior year in college or graduate school.
To apply, candidates must submit a completed application page, a letter of interest detailing their reasons for applying, and an official college transcript, according to the announcement. Electronic copies of transcripts are acceptable, and while a resumé is preferred, it’s not required.
Applications must be mailed by 3 p.m. on May 1 to the Ashland High School Counseling Department. The address is Ashland High School, Counseling Department, 65 East Union St., Ashland, MA 01721.
According to the Ashland Historical Society, Harold “Grump” Walker was a longtime science teacher and coach in Ashland who joined the faculty of Ashland High in 1930 as a science teacher.
“Grump’s dedication to his students is well documented,” an article on society’s website reads. “His teaching skills utilized the art of basic competition to help his students achieve more whether it involved science or sports. Sports, however, are probably his greatest achievement. Citing football, for which he is most noteworthy, Walker amassed an amazing record of 146 wins and 62 losses during his career. He coached three undefeated seasons in 1932, 1943 and 1952.”
In 1964, the football field at Ashland High School was named for Walker. He died in 1993 at age 92, according to the Historical Society article.
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