Investing in future generations.
The Martin Legacy Scholarship honors the lives of J.T. and Helen Martin by investing in the next generation of servant leaders. Established by their oldest children, Nathan Howard and Pauline Howard Burrell, the scholarship continues J.T. and Helen Martin's lifelong commitment to education, faith, and opportunity for students whose determination echoes the spirit of this land.
A Legacy That Continues to Give.
Every stay contributes to something greater.
Helen Hornsby Martin & J.T. "Bay" Martin Sr.
Their lives of perseverance, service, leadership, and generosity continue to inspire the Martin Legacy Scholarship and the generations it supports.
A Legacy That Continues to Give
Helen Hornsby Martin and her husband, J.T. "Bay" Martin Sr., believed that true legacy is measured not simply by what we leave behind, but by the lives we help shape.
J.T. Martin Sr., the son of a sharecropper, achieved what was uncommon for many African Americans of his generation by earning a college degree during the Jim Crow era. After losing a leg in a sawmill accident at just 22 months old, he overcame extraordinary adversity to become a respected educator and later serve as President of the West Carroll Parish School Board. His life reflected perseverance, dignity, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
Helen Martin was equally devoted to serving her community. She helped integrate local social services, dedicated 46 years as a contributor to the West Carroll Gazette, and became a trusted voice and advocate for her community. Today, their daughter, Marcia Martin Ensley, proudly continues her mother's tradition by writing a column for the West Carroll Gazette, carrying forward a family legacy of community engagement and storytelling.
Together, Helen and J.T. played a defining role in preserving this family's land for future generations. To them, land ownership represented more than property. It was a responsibility to care for something greater than themselves, to invest in education, and to create opportunities for those who would come after.
Their commitment to education, leadership, stewardship, and community investment continues to inspire HMT Heritage and serves as the foundation of the Martin Legacy Scholarship.
Every guest who visits HMT Heritage becomes part of that legacy, helping invest in future generations through educational opportunity.
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You Arrive
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We Give Back
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A Student's Story Continues
“The greatest legacy we can leave is the opportunity we create for those who follow.”
J.T. & Helen Martin
J.T. and Helen Martin lived quietly, generously, and with a deep belief in the students of their community. This scholarship carries their names because it carries their values.
Every stay at HMT Heritage Retreat contributes to the fund. So the land continues to do what it has always done: invest in the people who come next.
The 2026 Martin Legacy Scholars
Now in its sixth year, the Martin Legacy Scholarship recognizes graduating seniors from Forest and Oak Grove High Schools who carry forward the values of education, hard work, and service.
The West Carroll Gazette · Vol. 115 · No. 04 · June 11, 2026
Martin Family Honors Parents' Legacy with 6th Annual Scholarship Awards
Scholarship recipients, their families, and friends gathered during Sunday worship at New Spirit Life Church in Oak Grove to celebrate this year's awardees. The ceremony was hosted by Pastor Joseph Rucker, one of J.T. and Helen Martin's children, reflecting how their family's commitment to faith, education, and service continues across generations.
2026 RecipientsKaylee Promise · Emma Owens · Aniyah Frasier · Brandia Adams · Jordan Ater · Gloria Brown · Previn Bowie, Jr.
A simple loop. A generational impact.
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You Arrive
A portion of every reservation — from Legacy Lane, Heritage Haven, and future accommodations — is set aside for the fund.
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We Give Back
Funds are pooled annually and awarded to students in West Carroll Parish and surrounding communities.
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A Student's Story Continues
The next generation of thinkers, makers, and stewards is invested in — because that's what this land has always done.
Contribute directly.
Beyond the portion of each reservation, individuals and organizations can contribute directly to the Martin Legacy Scholarship. Reach out and we'll share the current giving path and annual report.
Contact Us About GivingPreserve heritage. Create connection. Invest in the future.
Annual scholarship awards are announced each summer. Recipients are selected in partnership with local school counselors and community leaders.