Goddard Systems, Inc. Presents 13th Annual Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship to Teeba Furat Marlowe from Concord, OH

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School, the leading premium educational childcare provider in the U.S., has awarded Teeba Furat Marlowe the 2021 Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship. Now in its 13^th year, this $10,000 scholarship is granted annually to a Goddard School pre-k or kindergarten graduate who demonstrates the work ethic, perseverance and commitment to the community that exemplifies Anthony A. Martino, the founder of The Goddard School franchise system. Marlowe is a 2008 kindergarten graduate of The Goddard School of Concord Township.

"Teeba’s story of survival, resilience and gratitude is one that truly stands out, and we are honored to award her with the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship," said Dennis R. Maple, Chairman and CEO of GSI. "The Goddard School strives to make the world a better place through early childhood education, and we value the relationships built among our Goddard families and communities. We are privileged to be a part of Teeba’s educational journey."

Born in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign, Marlowe came to the United States of America with her grandmother to receive medical care at the age of five, three years after an IED explosion left her with third-degree burns across most of her body. Barbara Marlowe, who did not know the young girl at the time, saw her on the news and reached out to help. She first met the child, and then through a mutual friend, was connected with The Goddard School in Concord Township.

"When I first heard Teeba’s story, I knew I had to do everything I could to help," said Kristina Turk, Ph.D., franchisee of The Goddard School of Concord Township. "With the support of Goddard Systems and caring neighbors within the Ohio community, we were able to welcome Teeba to our School. I watched her learn English, make friends in a new country, and excel at School. This Scholarship is the most fitting celebration of her perseverance."

With the support of her birth mother, Marlowe was officially adopted by the Ohio family. She graduated cum laude from Gilmour Academy in 2021, where she was a member of the National Honor Society as well as Speech & Debate. Marlowe is the published author of "A Brave Face" and has participated in more than 100 public speaking engagements in which she shared her unique background and perspectives. She is an honorary youth ambassador of the Iraqi Children Foundation and avid volunteer in her community, including at The Goddard School’s Summer Camp.

Marlowe is an incoming freshman at Miami University, in Ohio, majoring in microbiology with a co-major in neuroscience and a minor in Spanish. She plans to attend medical school, specialize in trauma operation and post-war brain function, and practice medicine in the Middle East. She aspires to return to the village where she was born to open a free medical clinic and orphanage for those displaced.

"I thank The Goddard School for starting my educational journey and helping me realize that learning is my passion, all while providing me with limitless happiness and kindness," said Marlowe. "I’m honored to be a recipient of the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship and for the opportunity that Goddard has given me to spread this kindness to others. Opening a school is of the utmost priority to me. I look forward to do the day I can return to my first home to give those children, specifically girls, the education that has so long been denied to them."