EAST ST. LOUIS – Three East St. Louis Senior High School students were recognized for their academic achievements by Walker’s Winners, a nonprofit sponsored by St. Louis Cardinals player Jordan Walker and managed by his mother, Katrina Walker.
As a reward for meeting their academic goals during the school year, the students attended a Cardinals game last Sunday, the district said. They were accompanied by Ms. Sparks, a member of the school staff.
The East St. Louis School District said Walker’s Winners recognized the students for their hard work and commitment to success.
“We are incredibly grateful to Walker’s Winners and the St. Louis Cardinals for providing this memorable experience and for supporting and encouraging academic excellence among our students,” the district said.
The district also congratulated the students and said it looks forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.
Walker is a right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Walker’s Winners is a youth education initiative founded by longtime educator Katrina M. Walker and her son, Jordan Walker, a Major League Baseball player for the Cardinals. Based in St. Louis, the program partners with schools, families, community organizations, and influencers to help K-12 students become “goal getters” through a focus on reading and math literacy.
The organization says its main aims are to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience through academic support, mentorship, and character development.
“I went to a great public school and got an excellent education. I had challenging classes and liked learning – I especially liked math. Because of my experience, I know firsthand the difference a good education can make, so I want to encourage young people to be great students. Even though I grew up in Atlanta, St. Louis is my new home. I want to make an impact here,” Jordan Walker said in a message from the founders.
Katrina M. Walker also described the group’s mission in a founders’ message.
“I believe that the strength of our nation is built in our public schools and that students’ ability to maximize their potential should not be defined by their family’s zip code or bank account. Great outcomes are achieved through collaboration, so Walker’s Winners partners with schools, community organizations, and other professionals to help young people achieve empowered futures,” she said.
