The family of Theodore “Ted” Boyd, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund have established a scholarship fund in memory of the former YMCA director, who was well-known for his classic holiday parable The Black Snowflake.
This scholarship will be presented to a local high school senior on March 11 from 6 — 8 p.m. at the Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave., to help with educational expenses at any accredited post secondary institution.
Boyd worked with young people at the YMCA for many years and inspired a number of them to excel beyond expectations. His nurturing passion to open doors of opportunity for youth was the reason this fund was developed.
“It was important to his wife, Barbara Boyd, their family and the YMCA to keep his memory alive through young people. This scholarship fund will allow youth through the generations to have an opportunity to know about Ted and the great work he did in our community,” said Eric Ellsworth, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.
The Ted Boyd Yellow Ribbon Scholarship fund represents Boyd’s undying interest in the next generation and how he was always thinking of ways to help somebody else.
“We are excited about the prospect of being able to give because we’re givers,” explained Barbara Boyd.
Highlights of the banquet will include entertainment and tributes to Boyd’s vision and spirit. Harlem Globetrotter Hallie Bryant, who was mentored by Boyd at the YMCA, will be a guest speaker at the event.
Also speaking will be Marshall F. Lewis. Lewis first met Boyd in the late 1950s at a YMCA Turkey Day race.
Lewis considered Boyd his mentor and credits Boyd with teaching him responsibility and compassion. Lewis remembers Boyd gave good, sound advice such as never give up, don’t care what others think about you and if you reach for the moon and fall you’re still on higher ground.
“All he asked of us was excellence,” said Lewis. “Mr. Boyd loved youth and education. The scholarship continues his legacy and spirit as an inspiration and represents the value he added to our community.”
In addition, Jean-Paul Cain considered the Boyd residence a second home and recalls the many informal conversations Boyd conducted where he taught life lessons such as stressing the importance of having a good attitude, do what you’ve got to do, take initiative and make things happen in your own life.
Cain said, “At the time you don’t realize how important the messages are. I feel very fortunate he was in my life and was such a positive influence. The scholarship is a good way to commemorate Boyd and what he was all about — giving youth a chance and if necessary a second chance.”
