About Brooks M. Walker Jr. Memorial Scholarship Inc.
The Brooks Maurice Walker Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in March 2023, in honor of the late Brooks Maurice Walker Jr., a 2021 Film Production graduate of Donald M. Payne School of Technology, "Payne Tech“ and student at Emerson College.
Brooks was a rising star in the film industry, specializing in short films. During his time at Payne Tech Brooks' film "Hey Mom," was featured in the 19th Annual Garden State Film Festival and was awarded the Special Jury Prize in the category of Cinematography in the Montclair Film 2021 Emerging Filmmaker Competition. Thus, from his hard work and commitment to the film industry, Emerson College in Boston, MA provided Brooks with a full scholarship to attend their school, where he continued to flourish, majoring in Media Arts Production.
Brooks left us February 3, 2023, but his lasting legacy continues to make an impact. The Rising Star Award at Emerson College was renamed to honor Brooks as well as the Film Festival portion of the ECST Art Showcase. Brooks was an excellent student with immense passion for the film industry. Therefore, the Brooks Maurice Walker Jr. Memorial Scholarship committee will select candidates whose profile exhibits the drive and passion needed to continue Brooks' legacy.
Nichelle Shiggs
Our First Recipient
Nichelle was a stellar student at Donald M. Payne School of Technology. She began New York University in Fall of 2023, where she is studying film. We congratulate and wish much success to Nichelle!
2024 Recipients
Brianna Barnett
Brianna Barnett
Brianna Barnett
The TOP scholarship award recipient of 2024 is a Payne Tech Graduate and Award winning Filmmaker. She began classes at Emerson College in Boston in the fall of 2024 majoring in Media Arts . Brianna is a first generation college student and her family in Jamaica and in the US are extremely proud of her accomplishments. When Brianna is not studying she enjoys reading, writing, cooking and spending time with family and friends!
James Leon
Brianna Barnett
Brianna Barnett
James Leon a 2024 graduate of Payne Tech began his studies in TV/Film Production at Boston University In the fall of 2024. When he is not studying he loves to listen to music and write down many ideas that can potentially become short films. We wish you well on this new journey!!
Emily Elas
Luisa Santos
Luisa Santos
Emily Alas is a 2024 Payne Tech graduate. In the fall of 2024 Emily began Montclair State University majoring in Film and Television. In her free time she loves to read books and loves to do makeup. She hopes to be able to work on the production design of a film someday.
Luisa Santos
Luisa Santos
Luisa Santos
Luisa Santos, a 2024 Payne Tech graduate settled into the University of Southern California in the fall of 2024. Luisa is majoring in Film and Television Production.
Did you Know?
There is an award renamed in Brooks’ honor at Emerson College!
HRE Brooks Walker Rising Star of the Year!!
One of the Emerson Recognition & Achievement (ERA) Awards given to groups and individuals who have demonstrated particular excellence during the academic year.
Lily Brown was the award recipient for the 2023-24 school year.
There is a film festival named in Brooks’ honor!
Brooks‘ film teacher at Payne Tech Mr. Anthony Perez hosts an Art Showcase to allow students to showcase their talent. The art show concludes each year with the “Brooks Walker, Jr. Film Fest” when students short film are displayed to those in attendance.