Opio Toure Memorial Scholarship

The Toure Family created this memorial scholarship in honor of Opio Toure. The former State Representative, lawyer, college professor, and pastor always put his family and community first, and also attempted to provide a voice for a sometimes voiceless people.

Opio was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma and graduated in 1972 from Muskogee High School. He continued his education at Langston University earning a bachelor’s degree in 1976. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Opio moved on to the University of Oklahoma Law School, and graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1979. Opio’s strong spiritual center led him to the Phillips Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity. Opio left behind a legacy of service to his community in many different ways. As a lawyer, he worked as a public defender helping those who could not afford their own legal representation. As a little league coach, he provided hundreds of youth with a role model that they could emulate. As a state representative, he always worked to provide his community with the best legislation for and opposed legislation that did his community harm. Additionally, he allowed students in the community to serve as legislative pages to observe the legislative process. As a pastor, Opio worked tirelessly with the Logan County Men's Ministry.

Opio was a devoted husband to Dr. Linda Ware Toure, and father to sons, Jelani and Jabari. He also treasured his time with his grandchildren Braylon, Jailen, and Jada.

Opio Toure valued education and believed that every child deserved an opportunity to further their education. This memorial scholarship will help ensure that another student has the opportunity to continue their education and continue to be a productive citizen in the community.

Eligibility:

• Oklahoma City Public School High School Seniors graduating in 2009
  
• Must be a resident of Oklahoma State House of Representatives District 99 and/or attend a public high school in District 99. (Not sure if you live or go to school in District 99? Click here for a map of House District 99)
  
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
  
• Must attend a 4 year Oklahoma college or university
  

Number of Awards: One

Amount of Award: $1,000.00

The Opio Toure Memorial Scholarship will be presented at Stars of Education in Spring 2009. The application period for the 2009 Scholarship has closed.