Goddard Systems Presents 14th Annual Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship to Kira Young from Cumming, GA

Mental health advocate awarded $10,000 to help pursue college studies in psychology

Goddard Systems, LLC, the franchisor of The Goddard School, the nation’s leading premium educational childcare provider, has awarded Kira Young the 2022 Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship. Now in its 14^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. Young is a 2010 kindergarten graduate of The Goddard School of Suwanee (Old Atlanta).

Young, a mental health advocate, has launched several initiatives to promote awareness and offer resources on the topic. In an effort to educate herself and others, she founded The Power of Okay, a website dedicated to an array of mental health topics including mental health illnesses, self-help book reviews, interviews with mental health professionals and wellness advice. Young also partnered with her high school to initiate Operation Positivity, which enables students to promote mental health awareness and spread positivity throughout the school.

“Out of the thousands of applications we’ve received over the years, Kira’s positivity and passion for helping others truly stand out, and we are honored to name her this year’s recipient of the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship,” said Dennis R. Maple, Goddard Systems chairman and CEO. “As The Goddard School strives to make the world a better place through early childhood development, Kira is on a similar mission to make the world better through mental health awareness. On behalf of the entire Goddard community, we are privileged to be a part of Kira’s educational journey and thank her for the positive impact she’s making.”

Young is an incoming freshman at Emory University in Atlanta, majoring in psychology. She plans to later attend graduate school to obtain a doctorate in psychology to empower others to make a positive impact on the world, something she learned to do at Goddard.

“In addition to providing me with a lifelong love of learning, The Goddard School taught me how to show compassion and advocate for the people and things I believe in,” said Young. “Reflecting on my school experience, it was the Goddard School that ignited my drive to explore new things and allow my passions to develop into various projects. I’m honored to be a recipient of the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship and grateful for the opportunity Goddard has given me to help others.”

In addition to her mental health awareness initiatives, Young has pursued wellness in other areas by obtaining three yoga teaching certifications. She also interns at the Forsyth County Board of Education, working on wellness and mental health projects.

“Having been part of the Goddard family for more than twenty years, I’ve seen thousands of students come through my doors, yet I remember Kira so vividly,” sgoddardschool.com/aid Robin Ray, owner of The Goddard School of Suwanee (Old Atlanta). “Even at such a young age, Kira demonstrated that she is a natural-born leader and possessed such empathy for those around her. She is a bright light to all who know her, and I can’t wait to see the good she continues to do in this world.”

For more information about the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship, please visit GoddardSchool.com.