Written by Flor Ramos
Walton Scholars from across the state celebrated the 25thanniversary of the scholarship program Thursday with special event at Wal-Mart’s headquarters at Bentonville, Ark.
Walton scholars from Harding University, John Brown University and University of the Ozarks met with representatives of the Walton Foundation as well as Jim Walton, son of Wal-Mart’s founder Sam Walton. They shared about Sam Walton, the purposes of the program and the fruits it has produced over these 25 years.
“I was thrilled to see the Walton scholars from the three universities all at once. I wish I would see them more often and share with them regularly,” said Natalia Castelar, aJohn Brown Universitysenior from El Salvador. “It really opens your perspective. I knew there were 60 scholars in each university, but seeing them all together makes you realize how many people are blessed with this opportunity, how great the heart of the Walton family.”
The Walton International Scholarship was founded by Sam Walton in 1985. The objective of the program is to bring students from Central America and Mexico to the United States, to provide them with a college education, and to teach them the advantages of free enterprise and democratic society.
“I am so excited I got to meet Jim Walton, the son of the man who completely changed my life,” said Karla Rodriguez, aHarding University sophomore from Panama. “It is so good to know there’s people like Sam out there, people interested in being a blessing for others, in giving something back.”
At the event, Dr. Rick Niece, president of the University of the Ozarks, spoke about how the program is a “fanfare for hopes and dreams.”
Eulalia Castro, a student from Guatemala at John Brown University, represented the Walton scholars as she thanked the Walton family for the “life-changing” opportunity and discussed how she is “passing along the blessings” by trying to make a difference in the world. Eulalia started a service project at John Brown to raise money for people living in the dump in Guatemala City.
“We must now become role models, as Sam Walton was to us, because you never know how your example can affect those around you, and change lives,” Rodriguez said.
After the festivities, the Walton Scholars had the chance to meet Jim Walton and his wife, Lynne.
“Having the chance to meet Jim Walton is a privilege not all Walton scholars have had. It draws you closer to the people helping you, sets the scholarship in a more personal level,” Castelar said.
