Martha Haythorn – Georgia Institute of Technology Excel (Reynolds Family Scholarship Award)

Martha is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Reynolds Family Scholarship Award. She is a junior in the Excel program at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she has the distinction of being the first Excel student to be involved with student government on campus.

This fall, Martha will participate in an interdisciplinary program called Georgia LEND that trains future professionals to become leaders in neurodevelopmental disability advocacy. She will also take a course in social change. Martha 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, we are so proud of you! You rock!