GROESBECK, Texas (KWTX) – The widow of DPS Trooper Chad Walker says thanks to the generosity of Central Texans she was able to give out more scholarships to graduating high school seniors at more schools than ever before.
Tobie Walker awarded nearly $30,000 to 20 high school seniors from not only primarily Groesbeck High School, where Tobie and Chad graduated, but this year added in Teague and Leon County.
“17 of those scholarships went to Groesbeck High School and this year I have been blessed enough to reach other schools outside of Limestone county. Two scholarships are going to Teague Lions Academy, and one went to Leon county, and it was actually to one of our cousins, so I am very thankful for the support that continues to pour out,” Tobie said.
Tobie began giving out scholarships shortly after her husband was killed in March 2021.
Chad Walker was shot multiple times through the windshield of his patrol unit as he was stopping to help who he thought was a stranded motorist.
The community hosted multiple benefits for Tobie’s family and of that money raised, she decided to award one boy and one girl a $1,500 scholarship.
Their son, Ethan, chose recipients that honored the life his dad lived.
Tobie said that’s exactly what her husband would want.
“My husband, Chad, was all about the youth. He loved kids. He loved cheering for kids, and we have four of our own,” Tobie said.
In 2023, Tobie began fundraising for the scholarships by creating the Chad Walker Memorial Fishing Tournament.
Thanks to its success, Tobie was able to award $28,000 to eight graduating seniors at Groesbeck the next year.
“We went down the list and picked out kids who were excelling in everything they did, whether that be band, tennis, sports,” Tobie said. “I wanted the kids who were involved in everything because I do believe community outreach is very important.”
The fishing tournament helped the scholarship funds grow again in 2024, but Tobie has always dreamed of expanding beyond Groesbeck and this year she was able to do that for the first time.
Two student recipients attend Teague Lions Academy and one Leon High School.
The scholarship award winners this year included Shayli Aparicio, Chyanne Haynes, Jaycee Goddard, Cade Duncan, Legend McLean, Allie Verm, Kayden Coronado, Genesis Jimenez, Ta’Naejah Lee, Trent Platt, Emily Herridge, Trevor Devrow, Gabe McLeland, Kassandra Guerrero, Johnae King, Lyric Hargrove and Evian Lucien-Coleman, all of Groesbeck.
Leon High School’s recipient is Shelby Stanford and Teague Lions Academy winners will be named on Thursday.
Tobie said her goal for next year is to reach even more students and continue to expand across Limestone and Freestone counties.
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