Our Scholarship Recipient Featured In Indy Star

The Walker Charitable Foundation is proud that one of our scholarship recipients was recently featured in the Indy Star.

Following is the article in the Indy Star about one of our scholarship recipients, Carl King.

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/06/17/indianapolis-ex-felon-defying-the-odds-with-his-pursuit-for-nursing/74047627007/

Overview of the Featured Article

Carl King, a young man from the troubled Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood in Indianapolis, grew up in a challenging environment known for crime and poverty. Despite these circumstances, he excelled academically, inspired by his sickly mother to pursue a career in nursing. However, his dreams were derailed when, at 16, he was involved in a crime that led to his arrest and a juvenile record. This setback haunted him for years, impacting his opportunities and outlook on life.

Despite the obstacles, King persisted. With the support of mentors, legal aid, and a community foundation scholarship, he continued his education, eventually earning a Licensed Practical Nurse certification. King's journey highlights the struggles faced by those growing up in difficult environments and the importance of community support and second chances in overcoming past mistakes. Now, with his records expunged and his nursing dreams back on track, King plans to continue his education to become a registered nurse, determined not to let his past define his future.

Mentions of Walker Charitable Foundation

Our own foundation was also included in the article as well as one of our board members, Lee Christie, of Indianapolis personal injury law firm, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell.

“Carl King was a part of our first cohort,” Walker Foundation board member Lee C. Christie said. Christie used his legal expertise to help guide Carl through some legal trouble so his past wouldn’t negatively impact his future forever.

We are proud of this feature and hope that have more news like this in the future to share.