Martha Haythorn – Georgia Institute of Technology Excel (Brett Boyer Foundation Scholarship Award)

Martha is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Brett Boyer Foundation Scholarship Award. This fall she will be a sophomore in the Excel program at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Martha is the first Excel student to be involved with student government on campus, and this year she wants to study more about leadership, public speaking, human resources and disability rights. She is very passionate about disability rights and wants to work at the national level to create awareness about Medicaid, inclusive post-secondary education and community access for people with disabilities.

Martha is also active with Special Olympics swimming, and she stays fit and healthy with a program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. She is also very active in her church and has even preached sermons and led online worship groups for her community. Her advice for other students with Down syndrome who are considering post-secondary education is that “having Down syndrome should never stop you from following your dreams. When things are hard, never give up on your heart.” Her advice to parents is to support their kids in developing the skills they need to succeed in college.

Martha, you are such an inspiration—we think you rock!