Community Foundation, Town of Webb School District Announce $1.2 Million Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation, Town of Webb School District Announce Scholarship Fund
Fund Established With $1.2 Million Bequest from Long-time Old Forge Resident Martin M. Martin

Community Foundation and Town of Webb Union Free School District (UFSD) representatives announced the creation of the Martin M. Martin Scholarship Fund on Tuesday. The school district’s largest scholarship fund ever created to benefit students was established with a $1.2 million bequest from long-time Old Forge resident and New York State Trooper Martin M. Martin.

Scholarships will be awarded to every Town of Webb UFSD senior planning to attend a two- or four-year university, beginning with the class of 2019. Additional awards for continuing education may be offered in future years depending on funding availability.

“The enormity of this gift is overwhelming,” said Rex A. Germer, Town of Webb UFSD superintendent. “Mr. Martin’s belief in education and pride in his community will live on in all the opportunities created through his incredible generosity, a legacy with an impact will be felt for generations. Each year, our students will hear Martin M. Martin’s name and associate it with a dedicated individual who gave profoundly to help them achieve their future goals.”

A long-time Town of Webb resident, Martin was born in 1928 and like many Americans who grew up during the Great Depression, his childhood was shaped by plight and poverty. His family was only able to afford an education for one child and Martin was fortunate to be the one to continue his studies after graduating high school. He’d always wanted to be a detective – a dream nearly realized by serving more than 20 years with the New York State Police.

A common recollection among those who knew him was Martin’s steadfast frugality. He wore frayed T-shirts, wouldn’t accept gifts, rode his bike around town to avoid buying gas and traveled for vacation just once in his 88 years.

It likely comes as a surprise to those who knew Martin to be aloof and thrifty that he saved $1.2 million over his lifetime with the intent to bequeath it to the community. Martin recognized the dedication and sacrifice required to earn a degree and had a special appreciation for those who aspired to help others.

“Donors from all walks of life, even the most unlikely individuals, are often inspired to leave a charitable legacy, and it’s truly one of the most selfless investments one can make,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of The Community Foundation. “Through this unprecedented gift, the Martin M. Martin Scholarship Fund will create countless opportunities for students and residents in the community Martin lived, now and for generations to come.”