BAKERSFIELD, CA — What began as a family tragedy has now turned into a cause that inspires the entire community. After losing her son, Timothy Wilson, in a DUI crash, Angela Wilson chose to transform her grief into hope by creating a scholarship in Bakersfield in his honor.
Timothy, only 20 years old and a graduate of Liberty High School, lost his life on New Year’s Eve 2021 while riding with friends who had been drinking. Since then, his mother has dedicated herself to keeping his memory alive through an initiative with two purposes: to promote road safety awareness and to support Bakersfield students pursuing higher education.
“I want my son to be remembered for his generosity and love. This scholarship in Bakersfield is a way to keep sharing that with others,” said Wilson.
The first recipient, Zaley Manning, will begin her studies at San Diego State University. She shared that the award is not only financial support but also a reminder of the importance of making responsible choices.
The Timothy Wilson Scholarship does more than help students—it also sends a powerful message to the community: every life matters, and safety must always come first.
Angela hopes her story will inspire more families and young people in Bakersfield to say no to drunk driving and to remember that a single mistake can change everything.
