Leslie Marie Walker and Ned Castleberry Educational Scholarship

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.

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.