Walker News Archive
Koster Assembly
 On April 13, 2005, The Walker School held an assembly to kick-off awareness for the Koster 5K Classic to be held on April 30, 2005. The entire student body was present, while the Preschool concluded the assembly with a “tot-trot.” The program included moderation by President of the Student Government Association Jeffrey Bloom, background about the scholarship fund by Headmaster Don Robertson, a special presentation by Booster Club President Phil Pilewski, and keynote speaker Randy Koster, Brad’s Dad.
Inspired by Brad’s story, the Board of Trustees started the race in  2001 to fund the Koster Memorial Scholarship. In its inception, the scholarship assisted 4 Walker families. The race and scholarship fund have grown, and this year 16 families received financial assistance totaling over $40,000. Each year that participation in the race grows, more Walker families benefit from the scholarship fund.
A promotional committee was formed following last year’s event to find ways to improve participation and educate the Walker community about Brad’s courageous battle with cancer and the memorial scholarship fund that was established in his honor by friends of his from the Class of 1996. Members of the Koster Promotional Committee include; Kathy Smith, Preschool, Jane Spears, Lower School, Dawn Dunlap, Lower School, Stacey Scanlan, Lower School and Middle School Girls on Track, Kim Ragan, Middle School, Jeffrey Bloom, Student Government Association, and Randy Koster. The assembly and posters displayed around the school were results of their efforts.
 Further, the committee promoted an art contest to design the official race t-shirts for the 5K and the 1 mile Fun Run. The contest took place during the fall and 2 designs were selected for the race shirts, while one design was used for a special faculty shirt worn on Koster Awareness Day. The faculty shirt was designed by Carly Bloom, 4th grade, and her brother Jeffrey Bloom, 12th grade. The race shirt designs will not be revealed until race day. Participants of the art contest included: Grace Mulroy, Pre-K, Olivia Craig, 1st Grade, Sarah Kim, 1st Grade, Anna Chocallo, 3rd Grade, Eleni Demestihas, 3rd Grade, Barrett Seagraves, 3rd Grade, Rachel Silverstein, 3rd Grade, Honor Stoner, 3rd Grade, Carly Bloom, 4th Grade, Jordy Lasko, 4th Grade, John Malcolm, 5th Grade, Ally Chastain, 5th Grade, Madison Smith, 5th Grade, and Kelsey Rogowski, 9th grade.
Randy Koster shared stories of Brad’s life and his determination to live life to the fullest. Randy encouraged the student body to seize each day to be someone’s friend, to appreciate our families, and to value our extended Walker family. Brad was a tremendous athlete and participated in many sports including running. He would have enjoyed and participated in an event like this and would have seized the opportunity to share it with his friends and family.
The Booster Club has played a vital role each year in support of the Koster Memorial Scholarship. Today, Phil Pilewski presented Mr. Koster with a check for $2,000 in support of the scholarship. In addition, the Booster Club donates to the operating expense of the race so that all proceeds can benefit the scholarship fund.
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