By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Everyone has that special teacher that they remember. Maybe you remember your English teacher because she taught you how to communicate effectively and become an excellent writer. Maybe you had a sweet spot for your science teacher because he helped build the foundation that allowed you to become a doctor. Perhaps you remember your kindergarten teacher because she was your first teacher. Oh, that smile and welcoming voice was always comforting to you because you didn’t like when your mom dropped you off at school. Somehow, knowing your teacher would be with you all day helped you get through those trying times.
That first teacher for many people in Trussville was Mrs. Donna Smothers Walker. For 33 years, she graced the halls of Trussville City Schools until she retired in May 2019. But 2021 came with an unexpected turn. Walker passed away at the age of 57. Her death was shocking to her loved ones, her many acquaintances, and the community. Although she is no longer with us, several of her former colleagues are determined to make her legacy last.
Former Paine Primary Principal Betsy Schmitt, Walker’s former teaching partner and current teacher Gina Lackey, and Diane Byars, who works at Hewitt-Trussville High School, put their heads together to come up with a scholarship fund in Walker’s name. The scholarship will be awarded this year and her friends believe it is exactly what Walker would want them to do.
“She spent 33 years in the Trussville community, teaching kindergarten and started kids off right,” said Schmitt. “So many people were reaching out and asking what they could do and we just thought if anything she would want to help out one of her former students.”
The Donna Smothers Walker Memorial Fund will help a student that was in Mrs. Walker’s class.
“We want to offer a minimum of $500 to one student,” said Schmitt. “But depending on how much we get between now and then, it could be more than one student or it may be a higher amount.”
Schmitt said Walker was one of those teachers that students remember. Her warm smile and welcoming personality influenced many of the students that were in her class. To this day, her former students appreciate their beloved teacher.
“She was the ultimate kindergarten teacher,” Schmitt said. “You have to have a calling to teach kindergarten. She truly had a natural motherly love for all of those kids. She wanted the absolute best for them and she worked hard to bring it out of them.”
If you would like to donate to the Donna Smothers Walker Memorial Fund, you can do so at any Bryant Bank location.
Students can apply for the scholarship by writing about a memory they have from their time in Mrs. Walkers’ class. The organizers of the scholarship said they don’t want anything fancy, but they are asking for applicants to explain how Mrs. Walker impacted their lives. With the countless lives she touched, the organizers of the scholarship believe there will be plenty of applicants to choose from.
“Kids loved her, parents loved her, and she was always just a lifetime learner,” Schmitt added. “She was just always innovating in the late hours, doing something to bring to school and encourage her kids. She was also a friend to all. She was just a kind lady.”
The deadline for seniors to apply for the scholarship is May 14, 2021.
Schmitt said it is possible the scholarship could be offered for more than one year. It just all depends on donations.
For those who didn’t know Mrs. Walker, a donation in honor of your favorite teacher is money well spent.
To apply for the scholarship and for information on other scholarships being offered to seniors this year, click here.
