Martin Ray Young-At-Heart Scholarship Fund

My name is Laurie Doctor. I am a teacher, maker, and writer guided by the conviction that each of us has a particular gift—the seed we were given at birth.

 

The Martin Ray Young-At-Heart Scholarship was initially created earlier this year by students in my class at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, who wanted to provide financial support to someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend one of my classes.

 

Their generosity and enthusiasm have inspired me to create this scholarship fund so that others who want to contribute may do so. It is named in memory of Martin Ray, a beloved student who died on July 3, 2021. It is called Young At Heart because we want young people to be able to attend my classes, as well as anyone young at heart who will benefit from financial support.

 

Below is an excerpt Martin wrote about my class in his private journal, found by his wife Trudy after his death.

 

"This is what I have been waiting for—this creative life where I can express my inner beauty and skill. Use my heart and hands and tools to fashion something unseen into a new thing in this world— Some thing I can say - I did this from my soul - Used time that disappeared as my being entered a new stage where all the world disappeared and revealed a sense of peace that could not be described but held all the satisfaction that life is supposed to hold. We Must Reach Out and Grab the Gold Ring As It Passes And Carry It In Our Hearts— and let its glimmer and shimmer fill the hearts of our fellow man."

 

I am blessed with students that teach me, surprise me, and create scholarships for others. I am deeply moved by the seed they have planted. This is my attempt to water and till it so that it will grow.