The Loveland Initiative Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund (2/18/72 -2/7/2000)

Tracy Lynn Johnson was born to Joseph Stanley Walker and Delores Johnson on February 18, 1972. She departed her earthly home on February 7, 2000. Tracy was involved in many activities such as, Girl Scouts, Cheerleading, and a model of Barbizon School of Modeling. Tracy loved helping people to reach their goals despite her illness, which encouraged her to keep striving.

At the age of 8, Tracy became sick with a virus that led to a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle disease. She attended Loveland Schools through her sophomore year and transferred to the Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education where her physical needs could be better met. She graduated in 1991 from the now closed Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (CAPE).

Upon graduation, Tracy enrolled at Wright State University to study Sociology but had to abandon these plans when she encountered challenges with physical care away from home. Not to be deterred, she transferred to Raymond Walters College to continue her dream of a college education. In 1997 Tracy suffered a stroke; that led to heart problems (a complication of her illness) forced her to postpone her dream. With continued perseverance, and only five months before her death, Tracy enrolled at Raymond Walters a second time. Her illness once again (her third try) forced her to abandon her college dreams. Her uncle Milton said, "Tracy just wanted to learn." Through her struggle with Muscular Dystrophy, Tracy Johnson demonstrated courage and perseverance to further her educational goals.

This $1500.00 scholarship is provided by monies raised by the Toy Store for the betterment of children and families in Loveland. The past 7 years, the monies raised has been used for the Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund which assists a student to further his or her education. Any additional money raised will go towards our other educational programs. We are very proud that twelve college scholarships have been awarded to Loveland graduates. The Loveland Initiative Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund places emphasis on financial need, community service and academic achievement. The applicant must have a desire to (a plan for) attaining further education or training (college, tech or trade school, or other training). We feel one of the ways to empower people is through education and is the way to break the cycle of poverty.