A&M-Commerce Grad Student Receives Walmart Scholarship

Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate student Chastonn Bunch was awarded the Walmart Associate Scholarship on November 15.

Bunch is an apparel operator at the Plano Walmart Supercenter Store #1117. She has worked there for the last five years while completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at Dallas. She began the Master's degree program in August for Counseling, and she has been taking classes at A&M-Commerce's Mesquite location.

“Not everyone gets to go to graduate school,” said Bunch. “When you're given that opportunity you take it and run with it. I decided to go to A&M-Commerce because I like the people. Dr. Ball really helped me. I think she believed in me before I believed in myself. This has been an amazing experience at a great school with great teachers.”

The Walmart Associate Scholarship, given by the Walmart Foundation, is available to associates and their dependents. Applicants must apply each semester to be awarded up to $2,000 a year, for up to $16,000. The scholarship is available to Walmart personnel from across the country, and winners are chosen through the Foundation's selection committee.

“As a student, I've not heard one complaint from her,” said Dr. Linda Ball, assistant professor of Psychology, Counseling & Special Education. “She takes everything in stride. As a graduate student, she does everything she's asked, she is such a hard worker and definitely deserving of this award.

Bunch plans to work in counseling or teaching after graduation. She said she was in shock upon receiving the award because she feels that while she is a hard worker, she is shy and lots of other students do the same things she does.

“I've worked here for four years,” said Kevin Crawford, store manager. “Chastonn was a cashier when I started, and she's worked her way up from there. She always has a smile on her face, and she's a pleasure to work with.”

For more information visit the Walmart Associates Scholarship.