Grandmaster Walter E. “Toby” Cooling, a proud resident of Chesapeake City, Maryland, was a graduate of Bohemia Manor High School and the University of Baltimore, where he earned a B.S. in Personnel and Labor Relations. A local businessman and public servant, he served his community as a Cecil County police officer and as a reserve deputy with the Douglas County, Nevada Sheriff’s Department.
This award honors the enduring legacy of Grandmaster Cooling—whose lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and the martial arts continues to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.
The award shall provide financial assistance of $1,000.00 for postsecondary education for high school seniors from the following areas: of two high schools: Bohemia Manor High School (Chesapeake City, MD), Lower Dauphin High School (Hummelstown, PA), and martial artists of all styles within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Recipients are a high school senior who desires a college degree. The source of funds for this scholarship is from the OIMA Scholarship Fund. The OIMA will be responsible for distribution and follow-up to a qualified candidate. The student must show proof of acceptance into a degree program before the scholarship is issued.
Scholarship Application Writing Prompts
The OIMA Scholarship and Grandmaster Toby Cooling Memorial Scholarship are both funded by donations. The Order of Isshin-ryu is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible in accordance with section 170(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code.