Honoring Legacy:
The Leslie Marie Walker and Ned Castleberry Educational Scholarships
The Cobb Schools Foundation is honored to recognize the generosity of longtime Smyrna resident Ned Castleberry, whose vision and commitment have established a scholarship fund that will impact Campbell High School students for years to come.
The Leslie Marie Walker and Ned Castleberry Scholarship Fund is a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Castleberry’s friend and former Campbell educator, Leslie Marie Walker, a cherished English teacher. Her dedication to her students and passion for education left an indelible mark on the community. Walker, who passed away in recent years, inspired countless students during her tenure, fostering a love of learning and a commitment to excellence.
“It is my privilege to honor Leslie’s memory by supporting the students she cared so deeply about,” said Mr. Castleberry. “This scholarship fund reflects her enduring belief in the power of education to transform lives.”
Through Mr. Castleberry’s generosity, Campbell High School seniors now have the opportunity to apply for
two distinct scholarships: the
Educational Scholarship and the
Vocational & Technical Scholarship. Both awards are valued at
$5,000 each and are designed to support up to eight students annually.
The Educational Scholarship is tailored to students pursuing degrees in English, Education, Journalism, or Communications at Georgia colleges, universities, or technical schools. Recipients are chosen based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership, and a commitment to community service—qualities Leslie herself inspired in her students. The scholarship is specifically designed to support Campbell High School seniors who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also financial need, community engagement, and leadership. With a focus on students pursuing careers in English, Literature, Education, Journalism, or Communication, the award provides a pathway for young leaders to continue their education and carry forward Leslie’s passion for language, teaching, and storytelling.
The
Vocational & Technical Scholarship supports students preparing for careers in
vocational, technical, or trades fields. By providing financial assistance for certification programs and technical training, the award helps hardworking seniors take the next step toward building successful careers in essential industries.
Together, these scholarships reflect Mr. Castleberry’s deep gratitude to the Smyrna community that shaped his own success and his desire to give back in a way that will continue to shape future generations. His generosity ensures that Leslie’s dedication to education and her love for helping students find their voice will live on for decades to come.
At its heart, the Leslie Marie Walker and Ned Castleberry Educational & Vocational Scholarships are about more than financial assistance. It is about preserving a teacher’s influence, honoring a donor’s vision, and investing in the promise of young people who will go on to lead, teach, write, and inspire. Together, Mr. Castleberry’s gift and Leslie’s legacy create an enduring story of hope, opportunity, and community spirit.
