Longview ISD will recognize Toysha L. Walker and Judge Demetrius Eric Blacklock as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni during the district’s State of the District luncheon on Tuesday, October 20.
The nomination process asks for an application and a letter describing the nominee’s achievements and contributions. Longview ISD’s Distinguished Alumni Committee reviewed the completed packets and independently ranked nominees, with combined scores determining this year’s honorees.
“We are proud to honor Toysha Walker and Judge Demetrius Eric Blacklock for the ways they have used their talents to serve others,” Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard said. “Their stories give our students examples of how a Longview education can prepare them to lead and make a difference in their communities.”
Toysha L. Walker
For Walker, a 1992 Longview High School graduate, the story begins with the people who encouraged her to see what was possible. She credits teachers, coaches and community mentors with helping build the confidence and sense of service she carried into her career.
“I remember coaches and teachers who saw promise in me before I could name it, mentors through Top Teens of America and Z-Club who lifted my eyes higher, and a community that seemed to whisper, ‘There is more ahead, and you are able,’” Walker said.
That encouragement stayed with Walker as she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Louisiana State University and an Executive MBA from Baylor University. Over more than two decades in operations and quality management, she has helped organizations improve the way they work. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional, she has led quality initiatives at Camfil Kilgore, The Crosby Group, Micron Technology and International SEMATECH, contributing to multimillion-dollar cost savings, reduced operational risks and continuous-improvement programs.
Today, as president of Walker Quality Management Systems, she helps manufacturers, public agencies and service organizations implement quality-management systems, Lean Six Sigma practices and automation initiatives. She has also trained more than 500 professionals in Lean Six Sigma, ISO compliance and project management certification, equipping others with skills to advance their work.
Her commitment to service remains rooted in Longview. Walker serves on the Longview Economic Development Corporation Board, Longview Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Longview Walk of Honor Board and One Hundred Acres of Heritage Downtown Board of Directors. She is also a Longview Greggton Rotarian, a member of the NAACP Longview Branch and chair of the American Society for Quality’s Dallas Section.
Judge Demetrius Eric Blacklock
Walker’s service reaches across industry and civic organizations; Blacklock’s takes him into the courtroom and the lives of veterans. A 2004 Longview High School graduate, Judge Demetrius Eric Blacklock serves as presiding judge of the South Oak Cliff Veterans Court in Dallas, where he works with community organizations to connect veterans with housing, rehabilitation services and employment opportunities.
Blacklock grew up in a family of educators who helped shape his commitment to academic achievement and service. Born and raised in Longview, he went on to graduate cum laude from Prairie View A&M University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned his Juris Doctor, also cum laude, from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2011.
“I'm so proud to be from Longview. I'm so grateful to this community for laying the foundation for me to be successful,” Blacklock said.
His legal career began as an assistant district attorney in Houston. In 2014, the Dallas City Council appointed him as a municipal court judge. He has since presided over the city’s walk-in and trial courts and served as a magistrate. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Texas Municipal Court Association and Concord Church.
“The work that I do is important. It is meaningful. It is purposeful to me, and I do not do it to receive any kind of recognition or honor,” Blacklock said.
About the Honor
Their work reflects the purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes Longview ISD graduates who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, civic leadership, and lifelong dedication to public education and community development.
The recognition will begin with a brick ceremony at 9 a.m. in Foundation Plaza at the stadium on the Longview High School campus. Walker and Blacklock will also be honored during the State of the District luncheon starting at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Infinity Center, 300 Tuttle Circle in Longview.
The State of the District luncheon will bring community members together to celebrate the honorees and hear updates on district progress and future plans from Sheppard and district leadership.
“We invite our community to celebrate these outstanding alumni and hear directly from district leaders about the progress in our schools and the work ahead,” Sheppard said. “The support of our sponsors helps bring people together around that shared purpose and demonstrates their commitment to Longview students.”
Ticket sales are ongoing. Individual tickets are $40 plus fees, and reserved tables for eight are $400 plus fees. Tickets include lunch and the program and must be purchased by Thursday, October 15, while seats remain. No tickets will be sold on the day of the event.
For tickets and additional information, visit longviewisd.com/sotd.
For more information contact media@lisd.org.