Congratulations to Old Colony High School Graduating Senior, Tyler Marcelino!
Tyler was the recipient of our 3rd Annual Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship, an award totaling $1000.
Stephanie Pickup, Care Free Homes Marketing Manager, and Ashley Martin, Tony’s daughter, presented the award during Old Colony’s Senior Awards Night on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
About the Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship
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 must be a graduating senior from the PACE YouthBuild New Bedford Program, 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.
Ashley Martin (left) and Stephanie Pickup (right)
Candidates are also required to showcase their carpentry portfolio, write an essay or create a 60-90 second video to introduce themselves, and also be committed to a carpentry career immediately upon graduation. Most importantly, they had to embody everything that Tony Martin exemplified: exceptional character, pride of craftsmanship, commitment to quality, and an outstanding work ethic.
The award totals $1000 and consists of $500 to purchase work boots and apparel at Carters Clothing and Footwear in New Bedford, MA or Fall River, MA as well as $500 to purchase tools at Burns Power Tools in Tiverton, RI.
Why did we choose Tyler?
In addition to having one of the highest grades in the House and Mill Carpentry program, Tyler excelled throughout his rigorous, honors academic schedule – earning an impressive 4.21 GPA.
While his success in the classroom put him above any applicant we’ve ever seen – it was the recommendation from his carpentry instructor, Mr. Douglas Sims, that also impressed our team.
“When he is assigned a task or assignment you can be assured that it will be completed on time and in a professional manner. Another trait that stood out for all the instructors is Tyler’s work ethic, his great attendance, his consistency of showing up ready to work, learn and develop skills, and his ability to find tasks that need to be completed without being asked by his instructors.” said Mr. Sims.
We love that Tyler is pursuing his passion in carpentry post graduation.
“Since the day I got my first pick with the House and Mill Carpentry program as a freshman I have loved every single day that I work in the field and crave to learn more, practice more, and experience more in the carpentry field.” Tyler remarked.
Prospective applicants can apply next year and learn more by visiting our official Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship page. Learn more about our other charitable initiatives by checking out our Community page.
Good luck in your career and congratulations Tyler!
