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Burr and Burton Announces the Martin Scholars

Burr and Burton Academy announced on Monday that two juniors and two seniors will be awarded scholarships in honor of late BBA Board member, Skip Martin.

Skip Martin was an extraordinary friend, a deeply devoted husband and father, and an inspiring advocate for Burr and Burton Academy, who served on the board of trustees from 2010 to his passing on November 18, 2019. 

Through his dedication to BBA, Skip became a legend in the community, known by all for his warmth, wisdom, humor, and passion for helping others. The school’s mission to provide opportunity for all resonated deeply with Skip, and he in turn provided a walking embodiment of BBA’s most cherished ideals: respect for others, love for community, generosity of spirit, kindness, optimism, and perseverance. 

In tribute to Skip and to continue his work in perpetuity, Burr and Burton Academy has created the Martin Scholars Program, designed to recognize and inspire extraordinary character worthy of the Martin name and to support access to the BBA education Skip so loved. 

Seniors Jesse Dykes and Lexi Lacoste are both deeply involved in promoting a positive campus culture through leadership. 

Dykes is a Freshman Mentor, has acted in theater productions, performs in small and large ensembles, and participates in multiple clubs, including the Model U.N. Dykes also spearheaded the inclusive BBA Unified Music Program. He plans to study computer science at Clarkson University next year.

Lacoste is active in both athletics and the music program, leading the Varsity Softball team and playing in after school music ensembles all four year at BBA. In 2020, Lacoste was elected junior member of the Taconic and Green school board, an accomplishment she is particularly proud of. Lacoste also edits BBA’s literary magazine, Between Ranges, and helped found the BBA chapter of the Yellow Tulip Project, a club that works to destigmatize mental illness. 

The juniors, Abby Muñoz-Wells and Kyle Southworth, similarly exemplify leadership, perseverance, and outstanding character. 

Muñoz-Wells has been active in the HOBY Youth Leadership program, an acclaimed national youth leadership program. She also participates in athletics and community service. She is interested in helping others through a career in the medical field.

Southworth is on the BBA mountain biking team and plays guitar; he is most proud of the leadership and skills he has learned over many years in Boy Scouts, where he is near to earning Eagle Scout rank. 

In addition to these activities and achievements, all of the Martin Scholars balance a rigorous academic course load with work experience in the community. 
 
Though it’s not a requirement, all four Martin Scholars are participants in BBA’s Student Success Program, a program that primarily serves first generation, college-bound students.  

The Martin Scholars will receive scholarships for both educational technology and towards their first two years of post-secondary education.


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