Family members and friends of Marsha Walker, a special education teacher and testing co-ordinator with St. John Parish School Board for over 20 years, have joined together to sponsor “An Apple for a Teacher” project. The project is a fund-raiser and tribute to Walker, who was forced into early retirement due to complications from a massive stroke and diabetes. She is now confined to a wheel chair with limited mobility and speech and is burdened with increasing medical bills and a limited budget. During her career as an educator, some of the titles she received from the community and St. John School System were “Educator of the Year,” “Teacher of the Year” and “World’s Most Effective Tutor.” Walker had a strong desire to teach children. She was instrumental in setting up a tutoring program at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she also volunteered as a tutor. Some of her talents included a photographic memory, superior mastery of the computer and boundless energy. Those who know her agree that she was the epitome of professionalism and dedication and has earned this small show of appreciation. Her friends and family have come together to support Walker to improve her overall level of comfort and hope to inspire the “I can” attitude she encouraged in her students. A special tribute will be held Friday at 8 p.m. at West St. John Elementary School. Fund-raiser lunches will be sold Friday and Saturday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Center. On Saturday, various games will be played and a lottery for a weekend trip to Beau Rivage will be held. Other fund-raising events include a cookbook sale and plans are being made for a golf tournament, chaired by certified golf instuctor Nelson Jordan. Anyone interested in helping, should call Grace Cook at 536-1106, Jimmy Kindrick at 497-8243, Margo Lumar at 497-8353, Larry sorapuru at 463-9891, Deola Ellis at 651-9286 or Nora Pierre at 497-3703.