Care Free Homes presented the Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Senior Awards Night on May 26, 2022.
Tony Martin was the lead carpentry foreman at Care Free Homes in Fairhaven for over 30 years. On February 9, 2022, Care Free Homes was forever changed with Tony’s heartbreaking and unexpected passing.
The Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship was created to support the next generation of tradespeople and honor the life of a special Care Free Homes family member. Scholarship candidates had to be a graduating senior from either Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School or Old Colony Vocational Technical High School. Candidates were required to provide letters of recommendation from a carpentry shop teacher, job supervisor, or coach. They had to showcase their carpentry portfolio, write an essay or create a video to introduce themselves, and be committed to a carpentry career immediately upon graduation. Most importantly, candidates had to embody everything that Tony Martin exemplified: high moral character, pride of craftsmanship, commitment to quality, and an outstanding work ethic.
Yeferson Morales, a GNBVT senior pursuing a career in carpentry post graduation, was the deserving scholarship recipient. “Ever since I got into Voc-Tech High School I knew that I wanted to be in the carpentry trade and that I wanted to learn how to build a house, get a really good job and never worry about economics for me or my family.” said Morales in the introductory letter of his scholarship application.
The scholarship award of $1000 will be used to purchase tools, work apparel, or equipment. “I love getting new tools because I see them as an investment to earn more money and build a better future for me and my family.” Morales said.
A jumbo check, donated by our friends from Village Signs in Mattapoisett, was presented by Tony’s daughter, Ashley Martin, during the ceremony. “My 
Dad always took great pride in his hard work. I know he would be honored to have a scholarship presented in his name to a young craftsperson that will, hopefully, fill his shoes one day.” said Martin.
Should he choose, Yeferson has the opportunity to interview for a carpenter’s apprentice position at Care Free Homes. We also gave him a box of delicious Black Tie Cookies to make the $1000 check a little sweeter! Congratulations Yeferson!
Our family would like to thank Jarrod Lussier, GNB Voc-Tech Academy D Administrator, and Steve Walker, GNB Voc-Tech Community Outreach Coordinator/Academy Administrator, for their guidance and support. They helped make our first annual Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship a success!
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