Joe W. Walden was a husband, father, pastor and educator for many years. He was led to the ministry early in life, serving as youth pastor and then finance minister at his home church, Koinonia Worship Center, in Hollywood, FL.

 

Upon retiring from Bell South after 30 years of employment, Joe knew his next career would be in education. He taught for Broward County Public Schools for five years at Lanier James Academy and after relocating his family to Winter Haven, he taught at Denison Middle School until his retirement in 2016.

 

Mr. Walden’s philosophy toward education was simple:

"Don’t count anyone out."

 

It is that motto that drove his instructional approach to teaching and building relationships with his students. He truly believed that all students were capable of academic success and doing great things beyond the classroom.

 

Mr. Walden impacted many lives over the years. He sowed many seeds through encouraging words, financial assistance, attending students' games and even sending care packages to those away in college.

 

As a way to honor his memory, his family established the

Joe W. Walden Legacy Scholarship.