Monroe Church Honors Pastor With $1,000 Student Scholarship

When Pastor Inez Walker passed away last year, her family decided the best tribute would be helping students achieve their dreams, just like she did for decades.

Refuge International Healing Church in Monroe, Louisiana, launched the Pastor Inez Walker Scholarship to honor a woman who believed young people were leaders of today, not tomorrow. For over 30 years, Walker mentored students and invested in her community through the church she founded.

Her daughter, Dr. Sherita Williams, now leads the church and the scholarship effort. "She was always a person that gave back to the community, she believed in youth, grooming leaders for today," Williams said.

The $1,000 scholarship targets a practical need many families face: those crucial first expenses of college life. Beyond tuition help, the money covers towels, dishes, refrigerators, comforters, and other essentials that can strain a budget when school starts.

The scholarship welcomes applicants heading to two-year colleges, four-year universities, and trade schools. Williams emphasized they're looking for students working hard, regardless of their circumstances.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarship fund grows entirely through community donations, with every dollar going directly to student awards. As more people contribute, the church plans to expand the number of scholarships they can offer each year.

The annual scholarship requires a 2.5 GPA or above, a 250-word essay about goals and field of study, and two letters of recommendation from a pastor and a teacher or counselor. Students must also provide official enrollment confirmation.

"If you're in a position to give back, then it is an awesome thing to do, to see someone else move forward," Williams said. The family views the scholarship as keeping Pastor Walker's hands-in-action philosophy alive, supporting students at the exact moment they need help most.

Applications are due April 30th and can be submitted to refugehealing1991@gmail.com. The church welcomes donations to help more students access education and honor a pastor who spent her life opening doors for others.