About Shane

“I was born to serve people with a smile and lift people up. I always do my best to fulfill that purpose” Shane Martin

          Shane Eric Martin was born on November 28th, 1976 to Dee and Wayne Martin. Joining his older sister, Tanji, his arrival completed their family. He grew up in Acushnet, Massachusetts where he was an accomplished athlete with the smile of a champion. Shane was a born competitor and a huge fan of all Boston teams, especially the Celtics. He was popular amongst his peers, teachers, neighbors and anyone who crossed his path.

         Shane graduated from UMass Amherst in 1998 and worked in the mortgage industry prior to finding his true calling; teaching math. Throughout his 17 year career at Ford Middle School, he was known to teach with a contagious enthusiasm that strongly resonated with his students. His effervescent personality and trademark smile put students at ease which helped them to absorb and enjoy their studies.

          Shane’s influence on his students went far beyond mathematics. He was there for them with an ear to listen and showed compassion. He taught life lessons by example. He believed that love, kindness, positivity, humor, genuineness, and being an uplifting source of light to others were of the utmost importance. Mr. Martin embodied all these traits effortlessly and his students benefited greatly, both in and out of the classroom, for having him as their teacher.

         Shane’s passion for teaching was only superseded by one thing, his love of family. Shane was a loving husband to Angela and a doting father to Hallie and Christian.

         In July of 2020, Shane was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. He battled courageously, leaning heavily on his faith and was supported by family, current and former students, fellow teachers and friends. Throughout his treatment, Mr. Martin personified the life lessons he had exemplified all those years at Ford Middle School. His love for others, his kindness, his positivity, his humor, his genuineness and his desire to be uplifting and a shining light for others never wavered. On April 30, 2021, Mr. Martin sprouted his wings and took his place in the pantheon of unforgettable teachers.

About Us

          The Shane Eric Martin Foundation, Inc. is a group of Shane’s family, friends, former students and fellow teachers who are combining their efforts to continue his good works of supporting, uplifting and providing opportunities for students to reach their highest potential in life.

          Our mission is to provide scholarships based on merit and citizenship for high school seniors and giving The Shane Eric Martin Award to a Ford Middle School student for excellence in citizenship.

          Each year the Shane Eric Martin Foundation will award $2500 scholarships to four students pursuing higher education. These students will have a connection to Shane’s own educational experience. They will have been students at Ford Middle School in Acushnet, where Shane was a student and then proudly taught for 17 years, or have graduated from New Bedford High School, Shane’s alma mater. Another recipient will be chosen from Christian Fellowship Center where Shane was a faithful member and taught Sunday school.

          On June 15, 2022, the first annual Shane Eric Martin Award was presented to its first recipient. This student, and each successive recipient, best exemplifies Mr. Martin’s legacy of love, kindness, positivity, humor, genuineness, being uplifting and letting their light shine on others.

          Our initial fundraising events have been the 1st and 2nd Annual Shane Eric Martin Memorial Walks. These have been beautiful family friendly events representing Shane’s love of spending time with his own family walking the trails behind their home in Dartmouth. These are just the first of many events to come!