Biographies: W. D. Walker, 1952, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: January 10, 1952 Winn Parish Enterprise (Know Your Neighbor Column)

W. D. Walker Has 22 years In Winn Schools

When W. D. Walker becomes principal of both elementary schools in Winnfield
next September, he will do so with more than 22 years' experience in Winn
schools behind him.

Mr. Walker, who for 17 years was principal of both the Winnfield high school
and elementary school, at the beginning of this term was named principal of
elementary schools, which includes the present plant on St. John Street, and
the building now under construction on Maple Street.

The new building will be put into use at the next Fall term.  Mr. Walker
stated it is not decided how many grades will be taught in the new building,
nor how the division of students between the two schools will be made.  Plans
to either zone the town, sending students in one section to the Westside
school, and the other to the Eastside, or to send all students of one grade to
a particular school, have been discussed, with no final decision reached.

Opening of this school will mark another phase of the growth of the Winn
school system.  The present elementary school in Winnfield was built 11 years
ago, Mr. Walker said, at a cost of almost $150,000.  It has 28 classrooms,
with band room, auditorium, and library.  Comparing prices then and now,
the Eastside school plant is costing $200,000 with six classrooms,
combination auditorium-playroom.

When Mr. Walker came to Winnfield from Atlanta, where he taught 5 « years, the
Winnfield school had about 32 teachers.  Enrollment has grown to allow 49
teachers now, including elementary and high schools.

The present high school building was there then, with the elementary school
housed in two separate buildings on the block on which the elementary school 
now stands.

Mr. Walker is a native of Jackson Parish, where his parents still reside.  He
did his college undergraduate work at Northwestern State College, then
Louisiana State Normal College, at Natchitoches, and did graduate work at
Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn.

He is a charter member of the Winnfield Lions Club, and served as its first
president.  He has served on various Lions Club committees and is at present
chairman of the citizenship committee.  He also is serving this year as
chairman of the board of deacons at the Winnfield Baptist Church.

During the last war, Mr. Walker served on the rationing board and was
supervisor of this area's air defense program.

Mr. Walker is married and they have one daughter.  Mrs. Walker teaches first
grade in the elementary school.